Every year, more than 32,000 people in Australia experience a cardiac arrest outside hospital and only around 10% survive.
During a cardiac arrest, a person will be unresponsive and not breathing (or not breathing normally) and it can happen to anyone, at any time. But your quick action can give someone the best chance of survival. If a bystander uses an automated external defibrillator (AED), and CPR in the first 3-5 minutes the survival rate can increase to 60-70%.
An AED is a portable electronic device that detects life-threatening abnormal heart rhythms. AEDs are deliberately designed to be easy to use (even with no training) and safe for both the user and the patient. They will only deliver a shock if it is necessary and will not shock someone with a normal heartbeat. This means anyone can use an AED and the device will talk you through the steps you need to take: just turn it on and follow the prompts.
October is a powerful reminder that saving a life can be shockingly simple.
Learn more and share the message: heartfoundation.org.au/shockingly-simple