Kelvin Parker, 77, owes his life to a timely alert from the GoodSAM Responder App after suffering a sudden cardiac arrest in his Somerset home. On the evening of June 26, 2025, Kelvin was found unresponsive in his living room by his wife, Caroline. Acting quickly, Caroline called 999 and, with the help of their son Kris and neighbour Neil, began life-saving CPR.
Simultaneously, the GoodSAM app—using GPS technology—alerted nearby trained responders, including off-duty Emergency Care Assistant Mike Coe and Student Paramedic Emily Kingman. Both volunteers and SWASFT staff, Mike and Emily responded instantly, providing crucial CPR until ambulance teams and the Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance arrived.
Kelvin was stabilised and airlifted to Bristol Royal Infirmary, where he spent five days in a coma before receiving a stent. Now home and recovering, Kelvin recently met the responders and key ambulance staff in a heartfelt reunion at Paulton Ambulance Station.
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“I’m incredibly grateful to Emily, Mike, Paul, and all the emergency teams who saved me,” Kelvin said. “If they hadn’t arrived when they did, I wouldn’t be here today. I encourage anyone trained in CPR to register on the GoodSAM App—it truly saves lives.”
Emily Kingman expressed joy at seeing Kelvin’s recovery: “Mike and I were off duty but rushed to his home as soon as we received the alert. Those first few minutes are critical during cardiac arrest.”
Mike Coe added, “Meeting Kelvin now, healthy and grateful, reminds me why this role is so important. We don’t always get to see patient outcomes, so this reunion was special.”
George Pemble-Vincent, Deputy Head of Volunteering and Community Services at SWASFT, highlighted the app’s impact: “GoodSAM links CPR-trained members of the public to emergencies nearby, reducing response times dramatically. This early intervention improves chances of survival and recovery significantly.”
Anyone with CPR skills can download the app and register as a responder, with no equipment required—just the ability to provide effective CPR. Kelvin and Caroline are now planning to host CPR training events in their community to raise awareness of lifesaving skills.
Kelvin’s experience showcases how technology, dedicated volunteers, and emergency services can save lives by working together to deliver rapid care when every second counts.