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What is an AED / defibrillator?

An AED (auotmated external defibrillator) is a piece of portable equipment that can be used by anyone to shock the heart back into it's normal rhythm. It is commonly referred to as an AED or defib or defibrillator.

When do you use an AED / Defibrillator?

An AED / defib is to be used in conjunction with effective CPR (cardio-pulmonary resuscitation) on a patient who is UNCONSCIOUS & NOT breathing.

What is a sudden cardiac arrest?

A sudden cardiac arrest can happen to anyone. You can tell someone is in sudden cardiac arrest when the patient suddenly becomes UNCONSCIOUS & Stops Breathing.

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Is there any danger using an AED / defibrillator?

An AED is a light-weight, portable device that instructs the user once turned on how to use the piece of equipment. The unit analyses the patient's heart rythm and only delivers a shock when safe.

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Why is Community Access Defibrillation important?

In the event of a cardiac arrest defibrillation must be delivered without delay. With every minute that passes without defibrillation in the event of sudden cardiac arrest, the patient's chance of survival decreases by approximately 10%. Community Access Defibrillation is the solution to access defibrillation in a timely fashion for communities that are further from help.

Why communities need Community Access Defibrillation?

Whilst we would love to see all communities around Australia have community access defibrillation available, communities that are particularly at risk and in need of community access defibrillation are those that are more than 20-30 minutes from an ambulance station.

How does Community Access Defibrillation work?

Community Access Defibrillation involes installing community AEDs in notable places throughout the community. The AEDs are installed in cabinets with signage to ensure they are noticeable. Our community AEDs have a padlock with the CODE clearly written on the cabinet for security purposes.

Who accesses the AED for Community Access Defibrillation?

Access of the community defibrillator is the responsibility of the community. If you are faced with a sudden cardiac arrest we recommend having a plan already in place for a neighbour or someone close by to be able to access the AED and come to your assistance.

What is more important, CPR or defibrillation?

CPR and defibrillation are both extremely important to positive outcomes in a sudden cardiac arrest. If you are on your own with no-one to access the AED we recommend discussing this with the '000' call taker whilst continuing CPR.

Installing community accessible defibrillators to vulnerable communities..

Defib / AED Information