Ambulance Victoria (AV) is encouraging people to help improve cardiac arrest survival rates in the Barwon South West region this Shocktober.
AV launched its month-long cardiac arrest awareness campaign on Tuesday, October 1, highlighting the importance of learning CPR and using an automated external defibrillator (AED).
Barwon South West acting regional director Jess McGowan said survival rates decreased by 10 per cent every minute that CPR was delayed during the event of a cardiac arrest.
“Last year, paramedics responded to a record 7,830 cardiac arrest patients but there was also a record amount of bystander intervention,” she said.
“Every minute matters in a cardiac arrest, and when a patient receives CPR and a shock before paramedics arrive, their chance of survival more than doubles.
“Anyone can perform CPR and use an AED, as you don’t need training or to be qualified. If someone is in cardiac arrest and an AED is available, simply open it and follow the verbal instructions.”
Ms McGowan said close to 21 Victorians suffered a cardiac arrest every day, with one in 10 people expected to survive.
“There are a number of things you can do to help contribute to better cardiac arrest survival rates in Victoria,” she said.
“I encourage everyone to sign up as a GoodSAM responder. Its a smartphone app that connects patients in cardiac arrest with members of the community who are willing to start CPR in the critical minutes before paramedics arrive.”
