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 | 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.
by admin | Jul 18, 2024 | Defibrillator News & Updates, Defibrillator Tips & Safety Best Practices, Defibrillators, Uncategorised
If you’ve never seen an AED and you’re a fan of medical TV shows you may get an image of someone placing paddles on someone’s chest and the body ‘jumping’ from the shock. That’s a manual defibrillator, very commonly found in hospitals and medical shows, and very different to an AED.
An AED (automated external defibrillator) comes in two configurations – semi-automatic and fully-automatic. They function almost exactly the same way and both have the potential to save the life of someone in cardiac arrest. In this article we’ll shed some light on the differences, benefits, and which type might be best for you.
A semi-automatic AED has a button for the rescuer to push if a shock is required,
A fully-automatic AED automatically shocks the patient if a shockable heart rhythm is detected.
What they have in common
- Both types of AED require that the rescuer properly apply the electrode pads to the patient.
- When using either to deliver a shock, nobody else can be touching the patient when the shock is administered.
- Neither a semi-automatic nor a fully-automatic AED will shock a patient unless the device detects a shockable rhythm in the patient’s heartbeat.
- All AEDs have verbal and visual prompts to guide you through the rescue process
- Both types of AED provide a life-saving shock to someone experiencing a sudden cardiac arrest.
Semi-Automatic AEDs – the benefits
Semi-automatic AEDs provide the rescuer with control over when the shock is administered. This can be desirable because it allows rescuers to ensure nobody is in contact with the patient’s body at the time of shock.
If the unit advises the rescuer that a shock is required, the rescuer has two specific actions to take:
- Ensure everyone is clear and nobody is touching the patient.
- Push the shock button.
Fully-Automatic AEDs – the benefits
Once the electrode pads are applied to the patient, a fully-automatic AED administers the shock automatically, if needed, without any further action from the rescuer.
It gives the rescuer time to stop CPR, advises them to not touch the patient, and gives a countdown to the shock. An example would be: “Shock advised. Do not touch the patient. Do not touch the patient. Shock will be delivered in 3…2…1. Shock delivered. Start CPR.”
When using a fully-automatic AED, the rescuer isn’t responsible for pushing the button and instead only has one action to take: making sure no one is touching the patient when the shock is delivered.
Fully automatic models are designed to help responders who may hesitate in cardiac arrest emergencies. Studies have shown that fully automatic AEDs are safe, effective and may reduce extended delays associated with someone hesitating to push the shock button during a rescue.
How to Choose
When choosing between semi-automatic and fully-automatic AEDs the main thing to consider is who will be using the device. If the rescuers are likely to have some training, be calm in crises or want control of the situation, then a semi-automatic might be the best choice. If the AED is going to be in a public place or potentially have a variety of unknown rescuers, then a fully-automatic would suit.
The Bottom Line
Any choice is the right choice, as long as you have an AED!
Any attempt at resuscitation is better than none and both types of AED are equally effective at saving lives. All AEDs provide clear, concise instructions throughout the rescue process and operate the same way – only delivering a shock if it is needed.
by admin | Aug 29, 2023 | Community & Workplace Safety, Defibrillators, Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA), Uncategorised
Workplace defibrillators should be mandatory in all Australian workplaces and public buildings to reduce the number of deaths from sudden cardiac arrest, according to leading academics.
The calls come as The Lancet medical journal launches a new commission aimed at driving down the global burden of sudden cardiac death, which is estimated to account for more than half of all cardiac deaths and up to 20 per cent of overall mortality worldwide.
Karen Smith, adjunct professor at Monash University’s Department of Paramedicine, who is one of two commissioners from Australia, said about 27,000 people suffer a sudden cardiac arrest in Australia every year and just 11 per cent survive.
But research shows survival rates are as high as 70 per cent if the patient receives CPR and is defibrillated within the first few minutes, underscoring the need for all state and territory governments to follow South Australia’s lead and make defibrillators mandatory in all public buildings.
“We should be mandating things like defibrillators in every new high-rise building, every new government building, every new sporting facility and every school,” Dr Smith said.
A sudden cardiac arrest refers to when the heart unexpectedly stops beating and is different from a heart attack, which is when blood flow to the heart is blocked.
Dr Smith said the chances of survival decreased by about 10 per cent for every minute that passed without intervention, which was why Australia needed to teach the general population how to detect cardiac arrests and what to do when it happened.
Source: Black, Euan. “Push for workplace defibrillators”, Fin Review, 28 August 2023.
Do you require a quote or guidance regarding defibrillators for your workplace?
To speak to an AED specialist about our products or maintenance service, call (03) 9988 1296.
Image: Lifepak CR2 Essential in a cabinet.
by Paul Klein | Sep 9, 2022 | Community & Workplace Safety, Defibrillator News & Updates, Defibrillators, Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA), Uncategorised
Comprehensive Guide & AED Solutions
Understanding Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA)
Sudden Cardiac Arrest occurs unexpectedly when the heart abruptly stops beating effectively due to electrical disturbances within the heart’s rhythm. Unlike a heart attack, which is a circulation problem, SCA is an electrical problem that prevents blood from flowing to the brain and other vital organs. Without immediate and effective intervention, such as CPR and defibrillation, it can lead to death within minutes.
Key Australian Statistics
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Incidence: Over 30,000 Australians experience out-of-hospital sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) each year, making it one of the leading causes of death.
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Survival Rate: Only around 10% survive these events, primarily due to delays in administering immediate CPR and early defibrillation.
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Critical Timing: Each minute without intervention reduces survival odds by approximately 10%, highlighting the urgent necessity of immediate action.
Recognising the Symptoms of SCA
Knowing the signs of Sudden Cardiac Arrest can save precious time and potentially lives. Key symptoms include:
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Sudden collapse or fainting
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Absence of pulse
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No breathing or abnormal breathing (gasping)
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Immediate loss of consciousness
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Occasionally, victims might experience dizziness, chest pain, or shortness of breath moments before collapsing.
Immediate Response: Call – Push – Shock
A rapid response can significantly improve survival outcomes:
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Call: Dial Triple Zero (000) immediately to alert emergency medical services.
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Push: Begin CPR by performing rapid chest compressions at a rate of 100–120 per minute, compressing at least 5cm deep into the chest.
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Shock: Promptly use an Automated External Defibrillator (AED), following its straightforward voice prompts.
The Vital Role of AEDs
Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) are critical devices designed to quickly deliver an electric shock to the heart, helping restore its normal rhythm. Immediate AED use within the first few minutes of an SCA event can dramatically increase survival rates—often improving them to above 70%. AEDs are user-friendly, providing clear voice instructions, making them accessible to individuals without medical training.
AED Authority’s Commitment to Community Safety
At AED Authority, our mission is to enhance community safety and increase survival rates through specialised AED solutions tailored to Australian environments. We provide comprehensive, customised AED bundles perfect for various organisations including businesses, schools, sporting clubs, and community facilities. Our bundles typically include:
Explore our comprehensive defibrillator bundles here: AED Authority Bundles
Ensure Your Community’s Sudden Cardiac Arrest Readiness
Take proactive steps today to equip your facility, workplace, or community space with an AED. Immediate access to a defibrillator significantly boosts the chance of survival during a cardiac emergency, safeguarding lives and promoting health and safety.
For personalised advice, expert consultation, and tailored AED solutions, contact AED Authority directly.
