New life-saving cardiac arrest video support launches in the East of England

From this week, people in the East of England who dial 999 for a cardiac arrest could receive an extra lifeline: real-time video support from advanced paramedics.

For the first time in the UK, members of the public will be offered live video guidance during cardiac arrest emergencies, helping bystanders deliver the very best CPR until an ambulance crew arrives.

The cardiac arrest video desk, based at the East of England Ambulance Service Trust (EEAST) emergency operations centre, uses the GoodSAM video platform to connect bystanders with advanced paramedics. By seeing the scene directly, paramedics can provide patient-specific advice and reassurance in real time, guiding people through every critical step of CPR.

The scheme is running as a pilot – four days a week, 7am–7pm – and is a UK first, inspired by a successful programme in Denmark.

This innovative project has been made possible thanks to a £142,000 grant from NHS Charities Together, in partnership with Omaze, awarded to the East of England Ambulance Service Charity. Essex & Herts Air Ambulance (EHAAT) is proud to be supporting the scheme alongside EEAST colleagues.

Why this matters

Every year, EEAST crews attempt resuscitation on around 3,500 patients. While over 1,000 hearts are restarted, survival rates nationally remain low – with only one in ten patients surviving to hospital discharge. Early CPR is one of the biggest factors in improving those chances.

By giving bystanders the confidence and skills to act immediately, the cardiac arrest video desk could make a life-saving difference to people across our region.

Adam Pitcairn, Critical Care Paramedic and EHAAT’s Cardiac Arrest Lead, says:
“I’m excited about this project and am certain that it will make a difference to individuals at one of the most impactful moments of their life. Every day, we see the improvement that good quality CPR makes on outcomes, and we’ve worked hard to help deliver this initiative to our patients.”

Gareth Grier, Associate Medical Director for EHAAT’s Centre for Excellence, says:
“We use technology now in every aspect of our lives, whether that is ordering a pizza, finding a taxi, or navigating our cars. It’s only right that we use similar technology when people need it the most. It is rare to say this with certainty, but lives truly depend on getting this right.”

Our role at EHAAT

At Essex & Herts Air Ambulance, we know how vital CPR is in giving patients the best chance of survival. That’s why we are proud to support this pioneering scheme and why our CPR Smart programme is working to ensure every child in Essex and Hertfordshire leaves school knowing how to perform CPR. Together, these initiatives are building a stronger chain of survival for our communities.

Want to feel more confident if you’re ever faced with a cardiac arrest? Check out our life-saving films and learn the skills that could save someone’s life.

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