An unresponsive woman was fighting for her life when Seaman Isabella Loneragan and Private Jae Dale sprang into action, delivering critical care until paramedics arrived after a GoodSAM alert sounded on their phones.

GoodSAM is a smartphone application that alerts nearby trained responders to suspected cardiac arrests and other medical emergencies within a 1 to 5km distance when a medical emergency is called in. 

Seaman Loneragan, a Navy medic trainee at the ADF School of Health, received the alert while driving back to Wodonga after a long weekend in Sydney with fellow trainee Private Dale. 

After accepting the alert, the pair were directed to a Sydney residence where Seaman Loneragan started CPR, with Private Dale assisting in airway management. 

“I had so much adrenaline pumping, but because of the systematic approach we use in training, I was able to just get straight into it,” Seaman Loneragan said.

Private Dale worked alongside Seaman Loneragan to maintain patient care before taking over CPR. 

He said the experience reinforced the value of the training they had recently completed.

“It felt good to help someone in the community and put those skills into practice when they were needed,” Private Dale said.

The pair provided treatment for two minutes before NSW Ambulance paramedics arrived and immediately took over patient care. 

People with current first-aid qualifications or relevant healthcare training can register through the GoodSAM app to receive alerts and assist in emergencies within their local community.