Communities in the South Coast will benefit from lifesaving Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) being easier to find following the statewide launch of an interactive map on the NSW Ambulance website and the GoodSAM app.

The map pinpoints the location of around 5,300 registered AEDs.

A partnership between NSW Ambulance and the GoodSAM responder app has already helped save 80 lives in NSW since its launch in 2023. Twenty-six of those lives were saved with the help of an AED.

The app works by alerting registered volunteers when someone nearby suffers a cardiac arrest and a Triple Zero (000) call has been received.

Volunteers can choose to respond and provide CPR while an ambulance is dispatched. If an AED is nearby, the app will guide responders to it, improving the patient’s chance of survival.

You don’t need formal CPR or first aid training to register as a GoodSAM responder. You just have to be 18 or older and willing to provide chest compressions, which are easy and safe to perform.

“It’s incredible to see more than 11,600 people have now signed up as a GoodSAM volunteer to help and perform simple chest compressions to those in need while paramedics arrive," NSW Minister for Health Ryan Park said.

“We know the best chance of survival for anyone having an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest is receiving early chest compressions and defibrillation, the GoodSAM app now enables local heroes to find the nearest AED.

“It’s super simple to sign up with GoodSAM, I encourage everyone eligible to become a volunteer and help save a life today.”

NSW Ambulance chief executive Dr Dominic Morgan said they attend around 10,000 out-of-hospital cardiac arrests each year.

"Early CPR and defibrillation are critical to survival, and our GoodSAM volunteers are making a life-saving difference in their communities," Dr Morgan said.

“This is a tremendous opportunity for people who are willing and able to perform CPR to make a life-saving difference in their local communities.

"Sadly, not everyone survives a cardiac arrest, but early compressions give people the very best chance of returning home.”

AEDs are located in Kiama at the leagues club, Penny Whistlers, the train station and Project Dry Hire on Brown St, as well as Easts Beach Holiday Park.

There are two on Allowrie Street in Jamberoo, the Gainsborough Chase Reserve, Kiama Downs Surf Life Saving Club and 138 Charles Avenue in Minnamurra for any emergencies near the river.

They can be found in Gerringong at the public toilets at the northern end of Werri Beach, the Surf Life Saving Club, bowls club, Gerringong Takeaway, the Enhance Service Station, the golf club and the primary school.

In Gerroa, they are located at the Boat Fishermans Club and the Seven Mile Beach Holiday Park.

To register as a GoodSAM volunteer, please visit: ambulance.nsw.gov.au/goodsam

To view the AED map, visit: ambulance.nsw.gov.au/get-involved/locate-an-aed