CARDIAC arrest remains the leading cause of death across Australia, with around 20,000 people having a heart attack away from a hospital every year, which carries a survival rate of only 10 per cent.
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St John Ambulance NSW CEO Sarah Lance wants to change that, and has launched "Shocktober" to lobby for more life saving defibrillators, saying their provision is the key to improving survival rates.
"In the event of a cardiac arrest, each minute that passes without intervention - including defibrillation - reduces the chance of survival," she said.
"The combination of CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) and defibrillation is the only definitive treatment for sudden cardiac arrest and could increase survival rates by up to 70 per cent.
"Defibrillators should be installed everywhere large crowds congregate - shopping centres, sporting grounds, concert halls, and on public transport."
A defibrillator instantly analyses the heart rhythm and recognises abnormalities, determining whether a shock is required and telling the user what to do through voice commands.
Defibrillators will only deliver a shock when an irregular heart pattern is detected, so all you need to do it turn on the machine, and it will tell you what to do through voice commands.
"Anyone can use a defibrillator, and we encourage all Australians to respond to emergencies, particularly sudden cardiac arrest events, without hesitation," Sarah said.
St John Ambulance has developed a COVID safe online class to equip people with lifesaving first-aid skills.
In the Defibrillation Awareness (AED) course, participants will be provided with basic knowledge and understanding to enable the use of a defibrillator in an emergency situation.
The easy-to-follow online course costs $25, and takes just 30 minutes to complete.
For further information about the St John Ambulance first aid training course, or to enrol in an online course, visit www.stjohnnsw.com.au.