Do you have a current first aid certificate and a phone?
There's a great system called GoodSAM (www.goodsamapp.org...) which works on android, IOS, and just a normal feature phone (ie. a dumb phone). I've been using it for about a month, and it's one of the more sensible uses of technology I've seen in some time.
Once you register with GoodSAM (which requires you to send a copy of your first aid certificate so that they can confirm it's valid), you just get on with your life as normal, and they track you through your phone.
When someone near you calls an ambulance, you get an alert on your phone. If you accept the alert, you are given directions to the casualty, and you help them until the ambulance gets there. If two people accept the alert, the first one gets directions to the casualty, and the second gets directions to the nearest defibrillator, and then to the casualty.
There are very few people (five, so far) registered in and around Whangarei. Obviously, the system will be more useful if more people register. I've had two alerts so far, and the ambulance beat me to the scene both times, which I find quite reassuring.
Other than being a registered user of the app, I have no direct link with the organisation, but I would like to see it succeed as I think it's a great idea.
If you're nervous about the idea of actually having to use your first aid, remember that you'll probably only be there for a few minutes before the ambulance arrives, and the first few minutes can be the difference between someone surviving and dying. Please, if you've got a certificate, consider registering - you might be able to help someone.
Poll: Do you think NZ should ban social media for youth?
The Australian Prime Minister has expressed plans to ban social media use for children.
This would make it illegal for under 16-year-olds to have accounts on platforms including TikTok, Instagram, Facebook and X.
Social media platforms would be tasked with ensuring children have no access (under-age children and their parents wouldn’t be penalised for breaching the age limit)
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Do you think NZ should follow suit? Vote in our poll and share your thoughts below.
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84.6% Yes
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13.9% No
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1.4% Other - I'll share below
It’s Riddle Time – You Might Need an Extra Cup of Coffee!
Nobody has ever walked this way. Which way is it?
Do you think you know the answer to our daily riddle? Don't spoil it for your neighbours! Simply 'Like' this post and we'll post the answer in the comments below at 2pm.
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What's your favourite recipe for courgettes?
Kia ora neighbours. If you've got a family recipe for courgettes, we'd love to see it and maybe publish it in our magazine. Send your recipe to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz, and if we use it in the mag, you will receive a free copy of our January 2025 issue.