THE NEW SOUTH WALES AED LOCAL SPORT DEFIBRILLATOR GRANT

An Automated External Defibrillator (AED) is a portable medical device that saves lives by delivering a controlled electric shock to the heart. In case of a sudden cardiac arrest, the patient’s heart rhythm needs to be reset quickly, which can only be done through defibrillation using an AED. While starting immediate CPR is essential, it alone is not sufficient to reset the heart rhythm. An AED will deliver a controlled electric shock to get the heart beating normally again.

In the event of a sudden cardiac arrest, every minute without defibrillation reduces the chance of survival by up to 10%. Quick access to an AED can significantly increase the chances of survival.

Don’t miss this opportunity to improve your organisation’s and community’s safety. Apply for the AED grant today and take the first step towards saving lives.

Absolutely! AEDs are user-friendly and safe to operate. Our range is designed for public access and requires no specialized training. Once activated, AEDs guide the user step-by-step until Emergency Services arrive, with simple graphics and clear voice commands making them easy for anyone to use. Using an AED poses no risk—you cannot harm the person, be harmed, or be held liable.

Good Samaritan laws protect those who assist in emergencies.

The AED Grant Program offers up to $3,000 grants to eligible sporting clubs and facilities in New South Wales to assist with purchasing Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs).

Eligibility criteria

Applicants must meet eligibility criteria., applicants can demonstrate they meet the eligibility criteria in one of two ways. 

Option 1: applicants can demonstrate that their primary clubhouse/facilities or sporting/recreational activities or the majority of participants are located in an eligible postcode, which is defined as being within the lowest five deciles of the Australian Bureau of Statistics’ Socio-Economic Indexes for Australia (SEIFA). This can be demonstrated by:

• The applicant organisation’s registered address being located within an eligible postcode, 
• Applicants providing clear evidence of their sporting or recreational activities being primarily undertaken at a facility(ies) in an eligible postcode, and/or
• Applicants making a case that a majority of their participants reside in eligible postcodes. 

Option 2: applicants can provide evidence that they are experiencing financial hardship, which can be demonstrated by:

• providing clear evidence that they are unable to meet core club expenses or other existing financial obligations as they fall due.

Information on the type of evidence required will be included in the application form and can be found in the frequently asked questions

Eligible applicants are:

• Incorporated, not-for-profit clubs, associations or organisations in NSW that are sport or recreation related
• State or national sport or recreation organisations on behalf of member clubs located in NSW
• Licensed sporting or recreation clubs in NSW, providing that the AED package directly benefits sport and recreation members or participants
• Sport clubs associated with a school, church or university in NSW, providing they are an incorporated not for profit club in their own right.

To ensure safety and reliability, AEDs must be Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) approved and meet the minimum recommendations set by the Australian New Zealand Resuscitation Council Guidelines. 

TGA Approval: The AED must have TGA certification.

Essential Equipment:

• Two sets of defibrillation pads.
• Shears.
• A razor.

Durability:

• The AED needs to withstand the environment in which it is placed. Consider the International Protection (IP) rating, which indicates the device’s ability to resist dust, water, extreme temperatures, and mechanical impact.

Usability:

• Ideally, the AED should be suitable for use on both adults and children.
• Devices that provide visual cues and verbal instructions on performing CPR and early defibrillation are particularly beneficial and reassuring for non-medically trained users.

• Compliance with Guidelines: It should operate in accordance with current Australian Resuscitation Council (ARC) guidelines.
• Portability: The device should be lightweight and easily transportable.
• Long-Life Battery: It must have a battery capable of delivering multiple shocks and supporting multiple resuscitations.

When determining the appropriate number of AED units and their placement, several factors should be considered. Except for small buildings, it is generally advised to have at least one AED unit per floor. The key goal of any effective AED program is to ensure a response time of three minutes or less from the victim’s collapse to the AED’s arrival. Use this objective as a guideline for deciding the number and locations of AED units. For further information on how to assess your site, click here.

Defibrillators are designed for use by anyone, requiring no prior training. They provide clear visual and verbal instructions to guide you through each step. While each defibrillator model may vary slightly, it’s beneficial to familiarise yourself with your chosen one. Our resources section includes demonstration videos for all the devices we offer.

AED Authority provides expert guidance throughout the grant application process, assists in selecting the ideal AED, and offers comprehensive support for installation and maintenance.