About Defibrillators
An Automated External Defibrillator or AED is a piece of equipment that, in a Sudden Cardiac Arrest event, is attached to the person’s chest and its technology analyses the heart to determine if a shock is required to attempt to restart it.
There are many reasons why a person will experience a Cardiac Arrest. It can happen to individuals of all ages, with or without any warning signs or symptoms.
A sudden cardiac arrest is over 550 times more likely to occur than a fire related fatality. It’s the leading cause of death in the developed world.
Thousands of preventable Australian deaths are occurring each year due to the lack of access to a nearby Automated External Defibrillator. The only solution to address poor survival rates is to raise awareness, educate the public and provide accessible AEDs in the community and workplace.
Without defibrillation, for every minute that passes, the chance of survival reduces by 10%. The Australian average ambulance response time is approximately 10 minutes in metro areas — longer in regional areas.
It is simple, easy and safe for ANYONE, regardless of prior training, to become a lifesaver.
The facts about Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA):
♥ SCA is fatal but is reversible if early CPR & early defibrillation is available to the casualty.
♥ SCA can strike anyone, anytime, anywhere, at any age.
♥ SCA is not a heart attack (although it can be caused by heart attack).
♥ SCA is the leading cause of death in the developed world.
Sudden Cardiac Arrest survival is directly related to the time delay in receiving defibrillation i.e. early defibrillation increases the chance of survival.
The facts about Automated External Defibrillators (AED):
♥ An AED is simple and easy to use.
♥ An AED is automated – will not shock indiscriminately – an AED must first detect a heart rhythm before advising if a shock is required.
♥ An AED will only shock someone who is in a life-threatening heart rhythm.
♥ An AED will not shock someone who has a normal heart rhythm.
In simplest terms, Defibrillators work by stopping a weird, problem heartbeat. A powerful electric shock can actually CTRL-ALT-DELETE a heart that’s pumping irregularly or too fast, in hopes of resetting the heart to its correct rhythm.
Don’t invest in an Automated External Defibrillator because you have to; invest because you should as they save lives. Good Samaritan Legislation exists in every state and territory of Australia to protect the providers of first aid. Invest in a Defib today!
Every person, regardless of whether they have First Aid training, should have the confidence to and be capable of applying an AED in the event of a Cardiac Arrest. Today AEDs are simple to operate and effective in saving lives. Organisations can opt to purchase an AED to enhance their first aid response for the benefit of all staff and visitors.
Shocking Truth: Defibrillator legislation is essential for Cardiac Arrest survival in Australia.