Defibrillators & CPR

Why does my workplace, sprting club or gym need a defibrillator?

Every year more than seven million people globally suffer from a Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA) with little to no warning. Of this, only 5% to 10% affected survive.

Sudden Cardiac Arrest is when the heart enters a chaotic rhythm. Sudden Cardiac Arrest usually results from a disturbance in your heart that disrupts its pumping action, stopping the blood flow to the rest of your body.

SCA is a medical emergency that if not treated immediately, usually results in death.

Anyone, anywhere at any time can be affected by SCA. 

84% of SCA occur outside of a healthcare setting. Given that we spend a large proportion of our life at the workplace, gym or club, this should be a key in our consideration to any corporation’s emergency and first aid installations.

AED requirements for Australian Businesses?

AEDs are not currently required First Aid equipment for almost any business under current Australian law, however the 2018 Government review of Work health and Safety laws is currently open for public consultation, with the Federal Government asking for input from everyone, no matter what role you are in, your industry or business size.

The WHS Act states that one of its aims is to “protect the health and safety of workers and other people by eliminating or minimising risks arising from work or workplaces” and to assist “businesses and workers to achieve a healthier and safer working environment”. The current Code of Practice only state AEDs are “a useful addition for workplaces where there is a risk of electrocution or where there are large numbers of members of the public” but does not go so far as to make them a requirement for such workplaces.

If you would like to see more AEDs in workplaces where SCA is a risk, or in workplaces where large numbers of members of the public are present, now is you chance – visit the government website below to make your concerns heard: engage.swa.gov.au/review-consultation

For more information on calling for increased mandatory AEDs in Australia, visit the “Australian Hearts” website at: www.australianhearts.com