Paramedics to video link to cardiac emergencies

People dealing with suspected cardiac arrests at home or on the street can now receive real-time clinical support from specialist paramedics via video calls.

It is part of a new four-week trial currently being rolled out by South East Coast Ambulance Service (Secamb) to improve emergency treatment to those who may need CPR prior to an ambulance arriving.

The NHS trust described it as "using innovative technology to improve patient outcomes and deliver faster, more effective care".

Bradley Gander, critical care team leader, said: "Every second counts when someone experiences a cardiac arrest, and this is about giving people the best possible chance of survival."

Launched on Monday, the pilot will "enable specialist critical care paramedics (CCPs) to send secure video links to callers during suspected cardiac arrests", according to Secamb.

"This will allow clinicians to view emergencies while they're unfolding.

"And, by seeing what's happening first-hand, CCPs can provide enhanced clinical support to those delivering CPR on-scene, support better decision-making at critical points and optimise vital care before ambulance crews arrive."

The new tech builds on the "outstanding" life-saving support already provided by emergency medical advisors in Secamb's emergency operations centres, said a spokesperson.

According to the trust, NHS England's latest figures for May 2026 show it achieved its highest-ever monthly 30-day cardiac arrest survival rate of 17.2 percent.

"This surpasses our previous highest percentage of 15.9 in June and August 2023, placing Secamb at the top nationally and well above the average of 10.2 percent for the month," a spokesperson added.

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