by admin | Apr 15, 2025 | Defibrillator News & Updates, Defibrillators, Guides & Resources, Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA)
AEDs are wonderful life-saving devices and the only way to restart a heart or shock it back into a normal rhythm after cardiac arrest. There’s more good news too, AEDs can be used by anyone, anywhere, anytime.
Anyone can – and should – use an AED in the event of sudden cardiac arrest, you do not need any specialised training. AEDs are designed to be used by non-medical personnel, such as firefighters, police officers, lifeguards, flight attendants, security guards, teachers, family members of high-risk persons, and most importantly – bystanders. That includes you!
Once you have found your nearest AED, all you have to do is turn it on and follow the voice instructions. For most AED brands, there will also be illustrated instructions within the AED case, on the pads (showing you where to place them), and on the AED itself. The voice instructions include how and where to apply the pads, how to administer a shock while making sure everyone is clear of the patient, and how to perform CPR. The instructions are made simple and clear enough that even a child with no prior knowledge of an AED can use it. Simply, turn it on, listen, and use the diagrams for guidance.
If you’re still worried that you might mess things up, then don’t let that hold you back! No AED will allow you to administer too many shocks, or any shocks at all if it is not needed. Through the use of heart monitoring technology, the AED will be able to determine
- If the sufferer’s heart is beating in a sporadic rhythm, it will then administer a shock or instruct you to.
- If the person’s heart is beating normally again and doesn’t need a shock, it will advise you to monitor the patient until emergency help arrives.
- Or if someone is touching the sufferer then it will not shock.
In Australia, another reason that you don’t have to worry is due to the Good Samaritan Act in each state. The existence of these Acts means that that if you perform CPR, first aid, or use an AED to assist a person during an emergency, you are protected from liability. This means in the very unlikely event that something happens, you are not held responsible.
But how do you get the person to the AED?
AEDs are portable!
Potential first responders should look for AEDs in public areas such as sports venues, community centres, shopping malls, casinos, amusement parks, airports, airplanes, businesses, convention centres, hotels, schools, and doctors’ offices.
They will generally be in a cabinet or inside a case and can be carried to the location of an SCA sufferer so there’s no need to risk moving them.
It’s important to know where your nearest AED is. They can often be found in highly trafficked areas in well-marked and accessible wall cabinets. Popular locations include hallways, main corridors, near elevators, cafeterias, or main reception areas.
Bystanders play one of the most important roles in saving a life in the event of a sudden cardiac arrest, so remember to call, push, shock and don’t hesitate if you think you’ve witnessed SCA. Defibrillators are safe and effective in increasing survival rates and they won’t shock unless it’s needed.
by admin | Oct 8, 2024 | AED Case Studies & Success Stories, Community & Workplace Safety, Defibrillator News & Updates, Defibrillators, Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA), Uncategorised
AED Authority commends the Rotary Club of Aurora Gungahlin
At AED Authority, we are committed to improving the survival rate of sudden cardiac arrest victims in Australia. Our goal is to empower ordinary people to save lives. We are proud to support community initiatives that have a positive impact on society.
Empowering Communities with Life-Saving Equipment
We are proud to share that the Rotary Club of Aurora Gungahlin, based in Canberra, recently purchased six Lifepak CR2 Essential cabinet packages from AED Authority. In a generous gesture, they donated these units to CMET – Canberra Metro Operations, the organisation responsible for managing Canberra’s transport services.
This donation ensures that critical Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) are available across the city’s metro services, improving the safety and preparedness of the public transport system. With the addition of these AEDs, CMET is better equipped to respond to emergencies, offering life-saving support to passengers and staff in case of a sudden cardiac arrest.
We commend the Rotary Club of Aurora Gungahlin for their commitment to community well-being and for making a positive impact on public safety.
Importance of AEDs in Communities
Each year, over 30,000 Australians experience sudden cardiac arrest (SCA). There are still many misconceptions about what SCA is, how it happens and what to do. Having accessible AEDs in communities is crucial for increasing survival rates and saving lives.
How You Can Help
We encourage everyone to learn more about this life-threatening condition and how we can work together to save lives. Chat with an AED expert on 1300 233 123 or contact us online to learn more. It really is as easy as 123!
For more information on how to support community initiatives and improve public safety with AEDs, follow us on social media and stay updated with our latest news and contributions.
For more information on how to support community initiatives and improve public safety with AEDs, follow us on social media and stay updated with our latest news and contributions.
by admin | Aug 20, 2024 | AED Case Studies & Success Stories, Community & Workplace Safety, Defibrillator News & Updates, Defibrillators, Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA)
AED Authority is proud to have donated a defibrillator to the Royal Hotel in Grong Grong, NSW
At AED Authority, we are dedicated to improving the survival rate of sudden cardiac arrest victims across Australia. Our mission is to empower public spaces and communities to be prepared for emergencies, enabling ordinary people to save lives. We are proud to support initiatives that positively impact society by providing essential life-saving defibrillators.
“A defibrillator, also known as a defib or AED, can save a life during a cardiac arrest by resetting the heart rhythm. A defib is the only way to do this. CPR alone is not enough.” – Grant Thompson, AED Authority.
When Brian Evans, hotelier of the Royal Hotel in Grong Grong, suffered a cardiac arrest at his previous Victorian pub, it was the quick-thinking actions of bystanders and the availability of an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) that saved his life.
At 57, Brian felt under the weather, thinking he had just ‘a bit of a cold.’ However, within moments, he collapsed with no pulse. Thankfully, his partner Leanne and patrons quickly acted, delivering three shocks using the pub’s onsite AED. This immediate response restored his heartbeat before paramedics arrived. Brian was later airlifted to the Royal Melbourne Hospital and, after five days, was able to return home.
“While Brian’s story had a happy ending, the reality is that over 30,000 Australians die from out-of-hospital cardiac arrests every year, with one death occurring every 16 minutes,” says Grant Thompson from AED Authority.
“Immediate treatment is critical, but ambulance response times are often too slow. A defibrillator, or AED, is the only way to reset the heart during a cardiac arrest. CPR alone won’t suffice.”
Recently, Thompson and Shane Hawkinson from AED Authority presented Brian Evans with a defibrillator at his new pub, the Royal Hotel in Grong Grong, as part of their Forward Hearts program.
“Having an AED in your pub just makes sense,” Thompson added. “These devices are simple to use, require no medical training, and are fully automatic. They even perform the shock delivery for you if needed.”
No regular maintenance, servicing, or calibration is required—just a simple visual check.
“Having one of these life-saving devices in your pub, bar, or hotel means you could potentially save the life of a loved one, mate, or patron.”
Don’t wait until it’s too late—equip your space with an AED today and be prepared for any emergency. AED Authority is here to help you choose the right defibrillator and provide ongoing support.
Importance of AEDs in Communities
Each year, over 30,000 Australians experience sudden cardiac arrest (SCA). There are still many misconceptions about what SCA is, how it happens and what to do. Having accessible AEDs in communities is crucial for increasing survival rates and saving lives.
How You Can Help
We encourage everyone to learn more about this life-threatening condition and how we can work together to save lives. Chat with an AED expert on 1300 233 123 or contact us online to learn more. It really is as easy as 123!
For more information on how to support community initiatives and improve public safety with AEDs, follow us on social media and stay updated with our latest news and contributions.
For more information on how to support community initiatives and improve public safety with AEDs, follow us on social media and stay updated with our latest news and contributions.
by admin | Aug 1, 2024 | Community & Workplace Safety, Defibrillator News & Updates, Defibrillators, Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA)
AED Authority donates to the Lions Club of Mannum
At AED Authority, we are committed to improving the survival rate of sudden cardiac arrest victims in Australia. Our goal is to empower ordinary people to save lives. We are proud to support community initiatives that have a positive impact on society.
Empowering Communities with Life-Saving Equipment
Thomas’s Fundraising Efforts
Recently, we had the pleasure of supporting Thomas with his fundraising endeavors. Thomas, an 11-year-old boy, was raising funds through garage sales with the goal of purchasing a defibrillator for the Lions Club of Mannum in South Australia. It is truly inspiring to see someone so young recognize the importance of having an AED in his community.
AED Authority’s Contribution
To help Thomas achieve his goal, we donated a Lifepak CR2 defibrillator, along with an outdoor cabinet and signage. Thomas recently presented these to a very grateful Lions Club. The defibrillator will be installed outdoors and will be accessible to the wider community, enhancing the safety and preparedness of Mannum.
Importance of AEDs in Communities
Each year, over 30,000 Australians experience sudden cardiac arrest (SCA). There are still many misconceptions about what SCA is, how it happens and what to do. Having accessible AEDs in communities is crucial for increasing survival rates and saving lives.
How You Can Help
We encourage everyone to learn more about this life-threatening condition and how we can work together to save lives. Chat with an AED expert on 1300 233 123 or contact us online to learn more. It really is as easy as 123!
For more information on how to support community initiatives and improve public safety with AEDs, follow us on social media and stay updated with our latest news and contributions.
For more information on how to support community initiatives and improve public safety with AEDs, follow us on social media and stay updated with our latest news and contributions.
by admin | Jul 18, 2024 | Community & Workplace Safety, Defibrillator News & Updates, Defibrillator Tips & Safety Best Practices, Defibrillators, Guides & Resources, Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA), Uncategorised
You’ve been asked to get a defibrillator for work, your sports club, the kids’ school, or maybe your local church. You’re happy to help but not sure where to start. In this blog post we cover a few FAQs and point you in the right direction.
So what is a defibrillator?
An automated external defibrillator (AED) is a portable electronic device that diagnoses life threatening abnormal heart rhythms that can cause a cardiac arrest and the only device that can treat sudden cardiac arrest. With such an important purpose it is important to choose the right AED for your specific requirements and level of training.
Do I need training to use an AED?
The short answer, is no, you do not need any formal training to use an AED. They have visual and audio guides that instruct you through every step of the process and many models provide feedback on how well your efforts are going. Anyone can use an AED, it’s as simple as applying pads and pushing a button. The AED will then read the heart rhythm of the person you have applied the pads to and determine whether a shock is necessary, this means that you cannot harm anyone using an AED because it will not shock unless it’s necessary.
The difference in AED models
Now that you know how easy it is to use an AED you may be wondering how there are so many different options when it comes to choosing the right one for you. There are a few things to be considered when choosing an AED that is right for you such as where your device will be stored, environmental factors that may affect the device, who will be using it, who it is most likely to be used on, how extensive the feedback features are, consumables and price.
Storage and environment
The type of AED that is right for you will differ depending on its end use. For example, is the AED going to be stored in a cabinet in an office environment or are you expecting to take it camping? or into situations that it will be exposed to the elements? AEDs can differ in size, weight and IP rating (International Protection Rating), which is their resistance against the intrusion of solid objects or dust, accidental contact, and water. For an office environment, resistance to the elements is not important but for a more demanding environment, an AED such as the HeartSine 360P that is compact, weighing just 1.25kg, aircraft rated, highly resistant to impact damage and water may be necessary.
Who will be using the AED
Although there is no formal training needed to use an AED the people that will be using the device should always be considered. It is recommended that everyone who has access to an AED is made familiar with how it works and where it is located so that in the event of a sudden cardiac arrest action can be taken quickly. The LifePak CR2 Essential is a fantastic solution for those who without any knowledge of CPR as it is fully automatic and features a metronome and audible CPR coaching to ensure the cardiac arrest sufferer is receiving the right help. After consideration of the user, it is also worth thinking about who the AED is likely to be used on. For example, if an AED is located in a childcare centre than picking a device with a child mode switch such as the (Child mode AED) or a paediatric pad pack is important as an infant requires less of a shock than an adult to restore a normal heart rhythm.
Consumables and price
Speaking of paediatric pads, this brings us to the next point of consumables and price. Generally speaking there are only two consumable components of an AED, the batteries and pads. These need to be replaced once their expiry date has been met or the device has been used. An AED is a multi-use item that does not require servicing, however the batteries and pads do require replacement every so often or once used. Luckily most models of AED self-monitor and will notify you when replacement of any part is due. Alternatively, AED Authority’s Concierge program can take any worry away by providing you with a dedicated professional that will contact you when replacement is due. To reduce effort and cost many AED models come with a single battery and pad pack with a single expiry. Some of the more expensive devices such as the LifePak 1000 are designed with advanced care professionals in mind come with features such as an ECG attachment that provides data from the time of incident, but these more expensive options are not necessary in most cases and all AED models are effective in helping to save a life.
If this all sounds like a lot, it’s because it is. There are a range of things to consider when choosing the right AED for your needs and the more information you read the harder it can be.
Luckily we are here to help, AED Authority’s mission is to increase the sudden cardiac arrest survival rate by getting more AEDs in more workplaces around the country. We are experts in all things AED and we are ready to help you tailor an AED solution for your needs and budget. Talk to the team today to ensure that you are ready in the event of sudden cardiac arrest.
Knowing where your nearest AED is can save critical minutes and possibly save a life.
by admin | Jul 18, 2024 | Defibrillator News & Updates, Defibrillators, Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA), Uncategorised
One of the biggest misconceptions about sudden cardiac arrest is that it is only happens to the elderly. Another common myth is that it’s rare.
Neither is true. Sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) is a leading cause of death in Australia. It’s a life-threatening emergency that occurs when the heart suddenly stops beating. It strikes people of all ages who may seem to be healthy, even children and teens.
What puts someone at higher risk of sudden cardiac arrest?
Some people have a higher risk of experiencing SCA than others, but the signs aren’t always easy to spot. Sometimes SCA is the first indication of an underlying heart issue. It all adds up to not being able to control everything, so it’s good to understand what risk factors you can control because that awareness may one day save a life.
Here are some of the heart conditions that can increase your risk of sudden cardiac arrest.
Coronary Heart Disease
This type of heart disease begins in the coronary arteries. These arteries supply the heart muscle itself. When they become blocked, your heart does not receive blood. It may stop working properly.
Congenital Heart Disease
Some people are born with heart damage. This is known as a congenital heart problem. Sudden cardiac arrest may occur in children who were born with a serious heart problem.
Large Heart
Having an abnormally large heart places you at increased risk for cardiac arrest. A large heart may not beat correctly. The muscle may also be more prone to damage.
Irregular Heart Valves
Valve disease can make heart valves leaky or narrower. This means blood circulating through the heart either overloads the chambers with blood or does not fill them to capacity. The chambers may become weakened or enlarged.
Inherited Heart Disorders
Having an abnormal heart rate or heart rhythm, including Brugada’s syndrome or long QT syndrome.
And some of the health factors to consider are:
- A family history of heart disease
- A problem with smoking, drug or alcohol use
- An inactive lifestyle
- Growing older
- High blood pressure
- Nutritional imbalances such as low potassium or magnesium
- Some types of physical stress such intense physical activity, major blood loss and severe lack of oxygen
- Obesity
What are the symptoms of sudden cardiac arrest?
Usually, the first sign of SCA is fainting. This sudden loss of consciousness happens when the heart suddenly stops beating. It’s the major difference between a heart attack and SCA. The person will be unresponsive and have stopped breathing.
People occasionally feel dizzy or have a racing heartbeat just before they faint or may experience shortness of breath or nausea in the hour before.
How to treat sudden cardiac arrest
A person having SCA needs to be treated with a defibrillator right away. It’s the only thing that will restart their heart. It does this with a small electrical shock to restore a regular rhythm. The sooner a defibrillator is used, the better the chance of survival. It’s widely recognised as key step in basic life support – Call Push Shock.
