Join the GoodSAM team and become a Heart Restarter

What is GoodSAM?

GoodSAM is a lifesaving app that alerts nearby trained responders to local medical emergencies, like cardiac arrests. Supported by Hato Hone St John, it connects everyday heroes to people in need, giving them a fighting chance before an ambulance arrives.

Why Your Response Matters

The Reality: Around 2,500 New Zealanders are treated for a cardiac arrest outside of a hospital each year—mostly at home. Right now, less than one in eight survive.

The Power of CPR & AEDs: Starting CPR and using a defibrillator before the arrival of emergency services more than doubles the odds of survival

Every Second Counts: For every minute without help, survival chances drop by 10–15%. Fast action truly saves lives.

Ready to Make a Difference?

If you are 18 or older and want to become a GoodSAM responder, take a quick look at our responder code of conduct and check out the GoodSAM website www.goodsamapp.org for more information

How to register

1. Head to the registration page here

You will need a photo ID and be on a device that is capable of taking photos.

2. Select New Zealand as your country

3. Select your organisation

Public Select this if you have CPR/AED knowledge and do not fit within one of the other categories

Registered Healthcare Practitioner for all current practising members (doctors, nurses, midwives, physios etc)

St John Ambulance, WFA, BOP DHB, or FENZ for all current staff and volunteers of these organisations.

GoodSAM - international group - please don’t select this one unless you are regularly out of the country.

4. Follow the instructions and prompts on the form.

The name you apply with, must match your ID – otherwise your application may be declined.

Applications will be reviewed and processed as soon as possible.

5. Download the GoodSAM Responder App

Head to your app store or Google play

Download the GoodSAM App

For any further information or questions, reach out to us at GoodSAM@stjohn.org.nz

Questions?

What is GoodSAM?: GoodSAM stands for Good Smartphone Activated Medics. This is a network of volunteers who are ready to give life support lifesaving assistance to people in cardiac arrest while help is on the way. The GoodSAM Responder app saves lives by letting GoodSAM responders know that someone nearby needs CPR in the first critical minutes after cardiac arrest.
Why should I become a GoodSAM responder?: Last year over 2,500 New Zealanders suffered from a cardiac arrest (heart stoppage) outside of hospital care, with a majority happening in their own home. Applying CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation) and an AED (Automated External Defibrillator) can increase a patient’s survival chances by up to 40%.

In 2023/2024 the odds of survival in NZ increased by 70% when a GoodSAM responder attended the scene (source: OHCA report 2023/2024. Published Feb 2025)
Who can become a GoodSAM responder?: Anyone! Make sure you know learn how to perform CPR and use an AED then register via GoodSAM website to get the app: Download from the App Store Get it on Google Play
How can I learn about how to perform CPR and use an AED?: We offer a full range of CPR and first aid training courses and have public and private first aid training courses available in over 100 locations across New Zealand.

Most people can perform CPR and use a defibrillator. The defibrillator itself will give you clear instructions, but it's good to be prepared anyway. This video will show you each step in the process.

We also have a community programme 3 Steps for Life that offers a free one-hour training session providing lifesaving skills and confidence to help if someone has a cardiac arrest in your community.
Can I respond with my own AED?: Yes, you can respond using your own AED; simply select ‘I have a defibrillator’ from the Actions screen on the GoodSAM app when responding to an alert, so that we know you are responding with your AED.
Where do I find out more about the app and how the alerts work?: Take a look a the GoodSAM website for all the information you need to know about GoodSAM and how the responder app works.