A life-saving app has helped police officers resuscitate more than 100 heart attack victims.

The GoodSAM app alerts first-aid trained officers who are within 800 metres of a cardiac arrest in Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, or Hertfordshire.

This initiative, which was started in Cambridgeshire in October 2021, has seen more than 500 officers respond to alerts, with many providing life-saving CPR.

Chief Superintendent Jon Hutchinson said: “As police officers we are dedicated to serving the public and protecting lives.

"We are delighted to have played a part in helping so many people who have suffered a cardiac arrest.”

Police officers across three counties have helped resuscitate more than 100 people suffering heart attacks thanks to a life-saving app Police officers across three counties have helped resuscitate more than 100 people suffering heart attacks thanks to a life-saving app (Image: Submitted)

The app helps bridge the gap between a 999 call and the arrival of an ambulance, with the chances of survival decreasing by 10 per cent for every minute CPR is not administered after a cardiac arrest.

The alert service is also now available to off-duty officers living in neighbouring areas, such as London, Northamptonshire, and Lincolnshire, allowing them to respond to incidents closer to home.

Jo Fletcher, Associate Director for Urgent and Emergency Care Integration at the East of England Ambulance Service NHS Trust (EEAST), said: “This is a fantastic example how emergency services are working together to provide the best possible response to the public when they need us.

"In the event of a cardiac arrest, every minute counts and the sooner a patient can get medical help such as CPR, the better their chances of survival."

GoodSAM co-founder, Professor Mark Wilson OBE, praised the initiative, saying: "Beds, Cambs and Herts police forces and EEAST have led the way restarting the hearts of more than 100 people.

"Imagine the thousands of people that could be saved if this was replicated by forces and ambulance services across the UK and beyond."

The 100 successful resuscitations milestone was reached ahead of Restart a Heart Day on October 16, which raises awareness of cardiac arrests and CPR.