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WorkSafe Victoria has released new guidance on the use of automated external defibrillators (AEDs) in the workplace to empower workers to use the device during a cardiac arrest crisis.

According to WorkSafe Victoria, a cardiac arrest is when a person’s heart suddenly stops pumping and can happen to anyone regardless of age or health. It is treated with cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) or defibrillation using AEDs.

AEDs send a measured electric shock through a person’s heart, with the aim of returning the heart to its regular rhythm once electrical activity resumes. They will not administer a shock to a person’s heart if it is not necessary and the latest AEDs guide operators on their proper use via voice prompts and pictures.

As a result, workers can safely help someone suffering cardiac arrest, knowing that they cannot cause any more harm to the patient, but may save their life.

WorkSafe Victoria’s Health and Safety Executive Director, Julie Nielsen, urged employers to consider installing an AED as a risk control measure.

“Very few people survive a cardiac arrest without swift assistance and the use of an AED might be the difference between life and death,” Nielsen said. “Anyone can use an AED. You do not need specialised training, but you do need access to one to save a life.”

Ambulance Victoria attended 6434 cardiac arrests in 2017–18 and 82 of those patients were successfully defibrillated with a publicly available AED. Currently around 19,000 AEDs are installed in locations across Victoria, but many workplaces still do not have the device, WorkSafe Victoria said.

To help employers effectively install AEDs in their workplace, WorkSafe Victoria suggests:

• putting the AEDs in a well-known, accessible and visible location;
• ensuring they are properly set up and ready to use;
• registering AEDs with Ambulance Victoria to enhance ease of access;
• demonstrating use of AEDs to staff;
• performing routine maintenance on the device.
   

For all your AED needs contact AED Authority on 03 8710 8666

Workers and employers can find the guidance via WorkSafe Victoria’s website.

AHA Member Paul Stocks from Kelly’s Hotel knows the benefit of insurance.  He was one of the first AHA members to take up the Defib offer from AED Authority ensuring his team will be prepared in the event of a patron or staff member suffering a sudden cardiac arrest.

Paul purchased the best device on the market, a LifePak CR2, after completing a risk assessment audit with AED Specialist Jaime Cooper from AED Authority.  Jamie conducted a brief demonstration of how simple the LifePak CR2 is to use to the First Aid Officers from Kelly’s Hotel.

With Pubs and Hotels being the heart of many communities, having a defib on-site increases public safety.  Chances of survival from sudden cardiac arrest is 5%, with a defib it rises to a huge 74%!

 Across the country, 41 Australians die from a sudden cardiac arrest every single day. This is 41 families each day losing a loved one – it could be a mother, father, grandparent, daughter or son. 41 hearts, 41 tragedies every single day. And most of these deaths are completely preventable. If only an Automatic External Defibrillator (AED) was in reach. That’s why the Australian Hearts campaign is calling on the community, business and government to work together. We want to see an Australia where, if a friend or workmate has a heart attack, you’ll be able to find an AED within 3 minutes. We know if it can be done that fast, your friend has a real chance of making a full recovery. Improved access to AEDs isn’t just a good idea. It will ensure everyone gets a second chance at life. Show some heart, sign the petition to demand AEDs be mandatory in every workplace. We are all in this together, so let’s send a message to our decision-makers to mandate the use of AEDs in Australian workplaces, because we need to see AEDs within 3 minutes of 90 per cent of Australians. With 41 tragedies every day in Australia, let’s all help drive the change. https://lnkd.in/gANGdcC

Join the Ambulance Victoria ‘Good Sam’ register.

Ambulance Victoria is maintaining a register of defibrillators so their ‘Good Sam’ responders can access this life-saving device faster than waiting for an ambulance.
Every minute that CPR and defibrillation are delayed reduces the person’s chance of survival by 10%. A fast response can make the difference between life and death.

AED Authority encourages every organisation with a defibrillator to register with Ambulance Victoria – just go to their website https://www.ambulance.vic.gov.au/community/community-partnerships/register-my-aed/