News - Page 2 of 2 - Cardiac Defibrillators

Retiree Saves Wife’s Life: Urges Others to Learn CPR in Emotional Reunion with Paramedics

Retiree Saves Wife’s Life: Urges Others to Learn CPR in Emotional Reunion with Paramedics Retiree Glen Sharrock has a vivid memory of the harrowing moment his wife of nearly 50 years, Marian Sharrock, faced a life-threatening situation right in front of him. In August of last year, after having dinner at their Rockhampton home, Marian sat down in a lounge chair and suddenly “slumped down.” Glen immediately sensed that something was terribly wrong. He remarked, “Marian doesn’t fall asleep that quickly,” realizing that an emergency was unfolding before his eyes. His wife had gone into cardiac arrest. The sight of someone dying before him was a terrifying experience for Glen. He knew that if he didn’t take immediate action, he might lose her. Confirming that Marian wasn’t breathing and had no pulse, he wasted no time and promptly dialed an ambulance. Placing Marian on the floor, Glen started performing CPR, determined to do whatever he could to save her life. Meanwhile, he handed the phone to his son Ben, who relayed instructions from the triple-0 operator, offering reassurance that they were on the right track. Glen continued administering CPR for a grueling 15 minutes until paramedics arrived on the scene, ready to take over and utilize a defibrillator. Expressing her profound gratitude, Marian declared, “I wouldn’t be here without this man [Glen]… every time I look at this man, it’s just love.” Now, nearly a year after the incident, the couple is urging others to learn CPR and first aid. Glen, who had previously completed courses every six months during his time at work, stresses the importance of these life-saving skills. Recently, the Sharrocks met with the paramedics and the emergency medical dispatcher who guided them during the triple-0 call, extending their heartfelt appreciation. “It only takes five minutes to save a life,” emphasized Glen. Marian has made a complete recovery since the ordeal, with a pacemaker and defibrillator implanted in her chest. Reflecting on the incident, Glen acknowledged that although he knew what to do, having reassurance and professional guidance proved immensely helpful. The emergency medical dispatcher, Kim Hammond, who provided advice during the triple-0 call, commended Glen’s preparedness and swift actions. She highlighted the significance of remaining calm, dialing triple-0, and initiating CPR in such situations. Ms. Hammond stressed the importance of early intervention, emphasizing that starting CPR as soon as possible is crucial. She encouraged people to take action even if they’re unsure of the precise steps, asserting that any form of compression is better than no action at all. To commemorate the one-year anniversary of her life being saved by her husband, Mrs. Sharrock will be going on a beach holiday with Mr. Sharrock next month. The couple, who are proud grandparents, also has plans to celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary next year.

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12 year old suffers cardiac arrest at birthday party

Twelve-year-old Noah Lekias experienced a life-threatening situation when he suffered cardiac arrest at a friend’s birthday party. Thanks to the quick actions of a friend who pulled him out of the pool and prevented him from drowning, Noah’s life was saved. While panicked parents performed CPR until paramedics arrived, Noah endured three more cardiac arrests before being placed in a medically induced coma upon arrival at the hospital. Noah’s mother, Fiona, shared the ordeal, stating that he remained in a coma for approximately a day before doctors brought him out of it. He stayed in the hospital for about a week due to short-term memory loss, ensuring his readiness for discharge. The diagnosis revealed that Noah had long QT syndrome, a type of congenital heart disease characterized by a heart signaling disorder that can lead to rapid and irregular heartbeats (arrhythmias). Essentially, his heart beats too quickly for his body to handle, Fiona explained. The initial days following Noah’s diagnosis were incredibly challenging for the Lekias family. Fiona expressed their fear and the subsequent extensive research they conducted, as it was the only thing they could do at that point. Fortunately, with the help of medications, Noah was able to enjoy a few relatively normal teenage years. However, in 2020, he underwent a significant heart surgery aimed at addressing his condition. During the surgery, five nerves were extracted from Noah’s heart, leading to some complications, including nerve damage. As a result, Noah had to take an extended break from school for several months. Describing the procedure, he mentioned that surgeons had to cut certain veins to slow down his heart rate. The surgery caused him a considerable amount of chronic pain. Now, at the age of 16, Noah is thriving and has a strong desire to raise awareness about his condition. While he has experienced a few minor episodes, he generally leads a good life. Fiona admires her son’s unwavering positivity, emphasizing that he never complains about anything and remains optimistic. Although he still copes with chronic pain resulting from nerve damage, Noah continues to embrace life and enjoy being a typical 16-year-old boy. Source: 7News

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Push for compulsory defibrillators at sporting clubs

Calls Grow for Mandatory Defibrillators in Community Sport Settings, Urging Victorian Government to Take Action Source: Herald Sun St John Ambulance Victoria (SJAV) has launched a campaign demanding the mandatory installation of defibrillators in community sport settings throughout the state. The move aims to save lives by providing immediate aid in cases of on-field cardiac arrests. Support for this initiative comes from the Ambulance Union, cardiovascular patients, and AFL Victoria. According to SJAV Chief Executive Gordon Botwright, having a defibrillator on the sidelines can make the difference between life and death. He emphasized that equipping sporting clubs with defibrillators is a crucial investment in public health, ensuring the accessibility and availability of these life-saving devices in the community. Citing South Australia as an example, where a bill was passed last year mandating defibrillator installation in various public settings, including community sporting clubs, by 2025, Botwright called for similar prioritization of public safety in Victoria. While the New South Wales (NSW) government has not mandated defibrillators in sporting settings, it has allocated $2 million to a local sport defibrillator grants program, active from 2022 to 2026. Victoria previously ran a similar program specific to defibrillators, but the application period for clubs closed in December 2017. Responding to inquiries, a spokesperson for the Andrews government mentioned that local clubs could still seek financial assistance to purchase defibrillators through the general “sporting club grants” program, which covers a wide range of club necessities, including uniforms and skill development. However, defibrillator batteries and pads typically require replacement every two to five years, rendering the devices provided through the government program that ended in 2017 outdated. The government did not comment on the possibility of mandating defibrillator usage or establishing protocols to ensure their regular renewal. This call for mandatory defibrillators follows an incident involving Jojo Ofosu-Amaah, a Keysborough footballer who suffered a midgame cardiac arrest in April during an away match against Skye. The initial defibrillation attempt failed due to a faulty device, but he survived due to the presence of a second defibrillator and witness CPR. Ofosu-Amaah expressed disbelief that an 11-year-old defibrillator was available while a functioning one was not. He stressed the need for defibrillators at every sports ground, regular accessibility checks, and penalties for non-compliance on game days. Gordon Botwright added that the simple task of checking the battery status and expiration dates of defibrillator pads may have been overlooked in recent years due to lockdowns disrupting local sports activities. He urged authorities to prioritize these essential checks, emphasizing their crucial role in ensuring the preparedness of the device to save lives. Data from SJAV revealed that only 1.45% of sudden cardiac arrest victims in Victoria receive bystander defibrillation. Cardiac arrest cases increased by 5.8% in Victoria during 2021-22 compared to the previous year. When shocked first by a public defibrillator, patients had a 50% chance of survival, compared to 27% when waiting for paramedics. Danny Hill, Victorian Ambulance Union Secretary, highlighted the importance of quick defibrillation, as paramedics’ response times can significantly impact outcomes. He emphasized that having someone trained in CPR with access to a defibrillator greatly increases the chances of survival, particularly in sporting settings where many cardiac arrests occur. Stuart Goddard, a Traralgon man who experienced a sudden cardiac arrest while preparing to play football, emphasized the importance of widespread availability of defibrillators. Goddard, who now has a defibrillator implanted.

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Melbourne: Teenage basketballer recovering from cardiac arrest

A month after suffering cardiac arrest during basketball training, a teenage prodigy from Melbourne is making a remarkable recovery. Jasper Wickes, 16, collapsed and started seizing during a session at Hoop Culture in Carrum Downs, witnessed by a stunned crowd. He had no previously diagnosed medical conditions, and his coach Hayden Jardine immediately recognised something was wrong. Jardine performed mouth-to-mouth on Wickes while checking his heart rate and calling triple-0. GoodSAM app user Jess Purcell arrived and performed chest compressions on Wickes until paramedics arrived. Wickes was fitted with a pacemaker a few days after the incident and spent 15 days in hospital. He has since been discharged and returned to training, with Jardine handing over the reins to him as coach. Wickes said he felt very supported, and was thankful for the help he received. His mother Simone thanked everyone involved in saving her son’s life, including Fire Rescue Victoria, Advanced Life Support paramedics, and Ambulance Victoria Mobile Intensive Care Ambulance (MICA) paramedics and MICA student Chloe Abel. Abel said Wickes was incredibly lucky that everything aligned to save his life. She added that Wickes had shown good signs of stability after his cardiac arrest and had made a quick recovery.

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9 year old boy suffers cardiac arrest in Australia

9 year old boy suffers cardiac arrest in Australia A 9-year-old child is currently in a critical but stable state after being hit by lightning while swimming at a beach south of Sydney. According to New South Wales Ambulance, the child went into cardiac arrest shortly before 5:30 PM on Thursday at Barrack Point in Warilla, near Shellharbur. Surf life savers performed CPR until paramedics arrived and took over, resuscitating the child before transporting him to the Children’s Hospital at Westmead with chest burns. The hospital has reported that the child remains in a critical but stable condition. A local doctor was on the beach at the time of the incident and quickly jumped in to assist the paramedics with CPR. The ambulance officers continued resuscitation on the young boy and were able to revive his heartbeat and breathing. A helicopter was dispatched to rush the child to the hospital, but due to severe weather conditions, including lightning strikes and heavy rain, an airlift was not possible. The child was instead transported by an intensive care ambulance to Westmead.

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Lisa Marie Presley suffers second cardiac arrest before passing

Lisa Marie Presley suffers second cardiac arrest before passing Photo; Photo by Michael Tran/FilmMagic Lisa Marie Presley experienced a second cardiac arrest after being hospitalised, and her family is waiting for the results of toxicology tests. New details have emerged regarding the death of Lisa Marie Presley, who passed away after suffering a second cardiac arrest while hospitalised. The 54-year-old singer was found unresponsive in her California home and was rushed to the hospital, where she was placed into an induced coma. Due to her critical condition, her family signed a do-not-resuscitate order. Despite an “epinephrine” shot being administered to regain her pulse, her heart stopped beating a second time while in the hospital. An autopsy has been conducted, but the official cause of death is pending toxicology results. Presley’s mother, Priscilla, issued a statement confirming her daughter’s death and asking for privacy as the family deals with this profound loss. News of her death has sent shockwaves through the entertainment industry, with celebrities taking to social media to pay tribute to the singer and daughter of Elvis Presley. Source: Sky News

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South Australian government pass defibrillator legislation

South Australian government pass defibrillator legislation South Australia is set to pass legislation that will make defibrillators mandatory in all public buildings, including schools, libraries, sports facilities, theatres, and prisons. The bill, introduced by SA-BEST upper house MP Frank Pangallo and supported by the state Labor government, also applies to larger privately-owned buildings such as shopping centres, aged-care and retirement villages, and certain residential apartment buildings. Additionally, all emergency vehicles used by the Metropolitan Fire Service, the Country Fire Service, and the State Emergency Service will be required to have defibrillators. The legislation includes a two-year period for the government to roll out the devices, and a three-year period for the private sector. Those who fail to comply with the laws could face a maximum $20,000 fine. View a breakdown of designated building or facility: (a) a public building or facility; (b) a prescribed sporting facility; (c) a school, tertiary institution or education facility that provides skills training; (d) a correctional institution (within the meaning of the Correctional Services 20 Act 1982) or custodial police station (within the meaning of section 78 of the Summary Offences Act 1953); (e) a retirement village (within the meaning of the Retirement Villages Act 2016); (f) a facility that provides residential care within the meaning of the Aged Care Act 1997 of the Commonwealth; 25 (g) a caravan park; (h) a residential park (within the meaning of the Residential Parks Act 2007) occupied (or that allows for occupation) by more than 12 residents; (i) a casino or other venue where gambling is authorised, other than a venue where the only gambling authorised is the selling and buying of lottery 30 tickets; (j) a theatre or other venue where artistic or cultural performances are provided; (k) without limiting a preceding paragraph or the definition of public building or facility— (i) a class 2 building under the Building Code with more than 10 sole 35 occupancy units (within the meaning of the Building Code); or (ii) a class 5, 6, 7 or 8 building under the Building Code, other than a farm shed or farm building (within the meaning of the Building Code); or (iii) a class 9 building under the Building Code; Automated External Defibrillators (Public Access) Bill 2022 Preliminary—Part 1 LC GP 161-B: Hon Frank Pangallo MLC 5 (l) a building or facility, or class of building or facility, prescribed by the regulations. View the bill here. Source: The Examiner

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New South Wales: Local Sport Defibrillator Grant Program

New South Wales: Local Sport Defibrillator Grant Program The below information is all sourced from: https://www.sport.nsw.gov.au/grants/local-sport-defibrillator-grant-program please click the link for up-to-date information. We are purely repurposing to raise additional awareness for the Government Grant. Our defibrillators are perfect for the below grant, we are also an eligible business. Local Sport Defibrillator Grant Program The Local Sport Defibrillator Grant Program is aimed at improving availability and access to Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) in community sporting and recreational facilities, for use in emergencies involving cardiac arrest. An AED is a device that is used in conjunction with Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) and delivers a controlled shock to an individual experiencing cardiac arrest, increasing their chances of survival. About the program The NSW Government is allocating $2 million over four years, 2022-26 to assist sporting clubs across NSW in the purchase and maintenance of AEDs. Applicants can request grants for multiple AEDs in a single application to a maximum of three devices, but the maximum grant for each AED cannot exceed $3,000. Each organisation is limited to one application per financial year. Important dates Program opens: Tuesday 29 November 2022 Program closes: 1:00pm, Friday 10 February 2023 Assessment of applications will occur at intervals over this period, and applicants will be advised of their outcomes as they are processed. Key objectives The Local Sports Defibrillator Grant Program is aligned with the Office of Sport Strategic Plan, particularly in the following objectives: Increase the capability of the sector to create fair, safe and inclusive environments for everyone, including children Increase regular and on-going participation in sport Assist sport clubs to provide quality service to their members and meet community needs. Funding availability Grants are available up to $3000 per AED package, and eligible organisations can apply for up to three packages to a total maximum value of $9000. Eligible Applicants To be eligible for a grant an applicant will need to be one of the following: Incorporated, not-for-profit sports and recreational clubs or other incorporated organisations in NSW that are sport or recreation related State or national sporting organisations on behalf of member clubs located in NSW Licensed sporting clubs, providing that the project directly benefits sporting activities Sporting clubs associated with a school, church or university providing they are an incorporated not for profit club in their own right Councils, and sport and recreational facilities owners on behalf of sport and recreational clubs Service clubs such as Rotary, CWA and Lions, on behalf of sports clubs. Ineligible applicants Ineligible applicants are any organisation types not listed as ‘Eligible Applicants’ above, and include, but are not limited to: Individuals Parents and Citizens (P&C) Associations For-profit, commercial organisations Government departments and agencies An eligible organisation will be deemed not eligible for funding under this program if they are an organisation named: by the National Redress Scheme for Institutional Child Sexual Abuse on its list of institutions that have not joined or signified their intent not to join the Scheme; or in the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse that has not yet joined the National Redress Scheme. Application process Step 1: Check your eligibility Before you apply, please read these guidelines to make sure you understand all relevant requirements, including whether you are eligible to apply. You can find the relevant information on the Office of Sport’s website: Projects must be submitted through the SmartyGrants website to be considered eligible. Step 2: Prepare your application Applying for the Local Sport Grant Program is a simple process using the SmartyGrants website The Office of Sport recommends that applicants familiarise themselves with the online application form ahead of preparing the application and plan ahead of the closing date. You can download a copy of the application form prior to commencing your application. Step 3: Submit your application Complete the application by filling in each of the sections including required documentation. Submit the application by 1:00pm on Friday 10 February 2023. Successful submissions will be issued with a SmartyGrants system generated acknowledgement email containing a PDF copy of the application which will confirm the time the application was submitted. Supporting documents Program guidelines Frequently Asked Questions Apply now

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FRED PA-1 defibrillator saves life in Victoria, Australia: Shock as footy player collapses mid-match

Shock as footy player collapses mid-match A country football club has thanked a team of people who rushed to help a player who collapsed mid-match and was later flown to hospital. Article by Kiel Egging and Brayden May A footballer is recovering in hospital after he suddenly collapsed on the quarter-time siren at a game in Victoria’s west. The Mininera and District Football League reserves match between Caramut and Ararat Eagles was abandoned following the incident at the Caramut Recreation Reserve, about 55km from Hamilton, at 12.40pm. MDFL president Dale Bruns confirmed a Caramut player collapsed and had suffered a suspected heart attack at the ground on William St. Mr Bruns said club volunteers performed CPR and a defibrillator (the FRED PA-1 from Cardiac Defibrillators) was also used before paramedics arrived within 20 minutes. An Ambulance Victoria spokesperson said the man, believed to be in his 50s, was treated at the ground for “a medical condition” and was flown to Geelong Hospital in a serious but stable condition. A spokeswoman for the hospital said the man’s condition had improved to stable on Saturday night. Hamilton highway patrol police officers also rushed to assist at the scene. Earlier, Mr Bruns said the scene was being cleared and a seniors match between the two clubs would proceed in this afternoon. “The players are certainly in shock, there’s no doubt about that, and as these incidents affect people in different ways, we will be supporting them in any way possible,” he said. “We wish the player a full recovery and will offer support to his family as well as the club and volunteers.” As a result of the incident, the decision was made for the teams involved to receive two points each. In a social media post on Sunday afternoon, Caramut thanked people for their support. It was also confirmed the club’s defibrillator was also tested. “We thank everyone who was so quick to help and did such a brilliant job,” the post said. “We also thank the emergency services for their quick response time. “Thank you to the Ararat Eagles and the league for their support and also to all of our club members and supporters.” Earlier this season, the Mininera and District competition made headlines after two senior teams were forced to forfeit as a result of Covid teams. This touches all of us SCHILLER is proud to have once again contributed to saving lives with its easy-to-use equipment. The SCHILLER distributor Cardiac Defibrillators, who equipped the Caramut Football Club with this FRED PA-1 defibrillator, is happy to report this heartwarming story.

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Cardiac Arrests are on the rise – what can you do?

Sudden cardiac arrest is one of the leading causes of death in Australia with more than 30,000 cases occurring nationwide each year. We’re still seeing the death rate at over 90%, with current figures increasingly high. In Victoria between July 2019 and June 2020, we saw 6,761 out-of-hospital sudden cardiac arrests, adding even more importance on at home defibrillators. This is the most cases ever recorded for Victoria, with an increase of 3.7%. A total of 76% occurred in private residences. Do we need to say more? So you’re now asking yourself, what can I do? The more individuals provide immediate CPR and defibrillation, the more likely the patient is of surviving. The only way to revive someone from Sudden Cardiac Arrest is defibrillation, CPR will assist until a shock has been administered. What can you do? Learn CPR – Ensure your first aid training is up-to-date, not only for SCA, but for overall public care Purchase a defibrillator – With 76% of SCA’s happening out of hospital, the more devices that are within the community the better. Whether it’s the home, restaurant, sporting ground, workplace and more. The first 10 minutes of SCA are the most important in saving a life.

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What is a defibrillator?

What is a defibrillator? A defibrillator is a medical device and is used when a patient is suffering a Sudden Cardiac Arrest. Once the electrode pads are effectively placed on the patient, the device will analyse the heart rhythm to determine if an electrical shock is required. If a shock is required the defibrillator will deliver the shock automatically with a fully automatic model or advise the user to press the shock button with a semi-automatic model.

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Why do more people suffer from cardiac arrest during winter months?

Exposing the body to cold causes biological changes that can lead to sudden cardiac arrest. SCA was found to be high during winter months (in the U.S), where between 167-175 people per 100,000 population suffered. The warmer months only saw 131 per 100,000. Studies also conducted in Germany, Korea, China, Finland and UK showed similar results. So, why do more people suffer from cardiac arrest during winter months? There are many reasons, but cold weather exposure increases blood clot formations in the body. Therefore, there is an increase in the red cell count, increases in plasma cholesterol and increases in glycoprotein (fibrinogen) which promoted clot formation. Exposure to cold inhibits the increase in protein C which has a protective effect against clot formation. Source: E Times

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Cardiac Arrest deaths are rising

During the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been significantly higher sudden cardiac arrest incidences and lower survival rates in the U.S, according to findings presented at the hybrid Heart Rhythm 2021 meeting. The study compared “sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) incidence and outcomes during the COVID-19 pandemic (March 1 to Dec. 31, 2020) to the corresponding period in 2019 in a U.S. community.” The below is taken from Healio.com In 2019, there were 314 SCAs in Ventura County (average, 31.4 cases per month; 10-month incidence rate, 36.9 per 100,000 people) compared with 410 in 2020 (average, 41 cases per month, 30% higher than in 2019; 10-month incidence rate, 48.2 per 100,000 people; P < .001). An increase in SCA and COVID-19 also occurred in the area in December 2020. Researchers found that the proportion of SCAs with shockable rhythm declined from 25% in 2019 to 19% in 2020 (P = .05), as did survival to hospital discharge (14.7% to 8.8%; P = .01). There were no differences in proportion of SCAs with witnessed arrest (P = .2), bystander CPR (P = .1) and return of spontaneous circulation (P = .15). “SCA incidence was significantly higher and survival outcomes lower during the COVID-19 pandemic period, with evidence of overlap between the two conditions,” Chugh and colleagues wrote in the abstract. “These findings have implications for community public health and EMS response planning during the pandemic and subsequent outbreaks.”

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Should jewellery be removed before using an AED?

We know that it can be a daunting process to use a defibrillator on someone. We receive many questions on how someone needs to prepare to use an AED, and more importantly if the person will hurt them. Should jewellery be removed before using an AED? The quick answer is no. You don’t need to remove any jewellery or piercings from someone suffering from Sudden Cardiac Arrest. Leaving jewellery on will bring no harm to the person. In fact, taking the time to remove any jewellery or piercings will delay giving the first shock to the victim. It is important to act quickly when using a defibrillator, as the first 10-minutes of SCA are the most important. In saying that, do not place the AED pads directly onto any metallic jewellery. Ensure you adjust the placement of your AED pads if necessary.

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What is a defibrillator? All your questions about AEDs answered

You may have heard the term ‘defibrillator’, ‘aed’, or ‘automated external defibrillator’ and are wondering, what is it? We address some of the top frequently asked questions about defibrillators and hope to guide you through your education journey! What is a defibrillator? An AED is a medical device and is used when a patient is suffering a Sudden Cardiac Arrest. Once the electrode pads are effectively placed on the patient the device will analyse the heart rhythm to determine if an electrical shock is required. If a shock is required the defibrillator will deliver the shock automatically. (Dependent on your AED model of fully-automatic or semi-automatic). How common is Sudden Cardiac Arrest? (SCA) Over 30,000 Australians suffer from Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA) every year. Without defibrillators or CPR, less than 5% survive. Every minute that passes without defibrillation reduces the chance of survival by 10%. How does a defibrillator work? The AED is powered by a battery and once turned on (by opening the lid). The instructions will guide the user to place the electrodes on the patient. Once the electrodes have been effectively placed, the defibrillator will analyse the patient’s heart rhythm to determine if they are suffering a cardiac arrest. If so, the device will deliver energy to the heart muscle to correct the abnormal rhythm back to normal. How is a defibrillator made? An AED is a medical device made up of many technical components by qualified companies under strict guidelines and approvals. Will a defibrillator restart your heart? A defibrillator will deliver energy to a heart that is quivering or not functioning correctly. If the defibrillator upon analysis of the heart, determines a shock is required a controlled pulse of energy is delivered to convert the heart back to normal. Will a defibrillator kill you? No, a defibrillator will only deliver a shock if there is detection of an abnormal heart rhythm that requires defibrillation. If nothing is done, the patient will not survive. How much should I pay for a defibrillator? There are a number of units available from $1,500 to $2,500 however there are a number of differences in the units. The most important is the warranty of the unit, the battery life and the replacement cost. Ensure the unit performs comprehensive self-testing and is easy to use. Our FRED PA-1 defibrillator features a 10 year warranty, 6 year battery life and 3 year electrode life. This AED would be considered as a low cost of ownership due to its longevity and low cost of replacement. The FRED PA-1 is the longest warranty defibrillator in the industry (and Australia). What is the longest warranty on a defibrillator? The Schiller FRED PA-1 has a 10 year warranty and the longest in the industry. When looking to purchase an AED, there may be lower cost AED’s on the market, but their warranties and battery/electrode lives will reflect this. Ensure your research your defibrillator before purchasing. I can’t afford an upfront cost, can I pay in instalments? Cardiac Defibrillators offer an Interest Free Payment Plan for anyone and everyone. Whether you’re a business or buying for personal reasons, we’ve tried to make AED’s accessible to as many people as possible. This budget-friendly option means there is no better time to get an AED for your facility, add more AED units or upgrade your old unit. The program ensures that your business, workplace, school or club will be equipped with the latest AED model (FRED PA-1) and removes the worry of needing to maintain the device. Where to buy a defibrillator? There are a number of providers of defibrillators, however the best supplier is one who is directly representing the manufacturer of the unit, not just a reseller. Who can use a defibrillator? Anyone can use a defibrillator as they cannot be used inappropriately. All the user needs to do is place a pair of electrodes on the bare chest of a patient. Are defibrillators dangerous? As defibrillators cannot be used inappropriately they are not dangerous. Are defibrillators painful? No, as the patient is unconscious and not breathing they would not remember or feel any pain and they require a controlled pulse of energy to the heart muscle in order to survive. What is the best defibrillator to buy? The FRED PA-1 AED is the best unit as it has an industry-leading 10-year warranty, 6-year battery life and 3-year life for the electrodes. It performs comprehensive self-testing of the critical components and is extremely easy to use and maintain. When is a defibrillator used? An AED is used when a patient is suffering a sudden cardiac arrest (unconscious and not breathing). When is a defibrillator needed? An AED is needed when a patient suffers a sudden cardiac arrest and is the only definitive treatment in order for the patient to survive.

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Cardiac Science is now Cardiac Defibrillators

We are proud to announce that our brand name and corporate identity has changed from Cardiac Science to Cardiac Defibrillators. This change has come with a pursuit to stay more relevant and innovative across our industry, and with our current and prospective customers. Customers will now see the new Cardiac Defibrillators name and branding across our emails, brochures, social media platforms and other marketing material. While our business name and logo have changed, please be assured that we are the same people who will continue to supply the same reliable AEDs. If you own a Cardiac Science Powerheart AED, we are still your main point of call for all accessory orders and AED registrations. We would like to take this opportunity to thank all of our customers for their continued support. Our company looks forward to assisting both current and prospective customers with all their AED needs under our new name.

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AED Maintenance

Owning a defibrillator is one thing; ensuring it’s maintained and rescue-ready is another. Check that your FRED PA-1 AED is functioning properly by following these 3 easy steps! Step 1 – Ensure the green main status LED is flashing. Step 2 – Check the expiration date of the electrodes. The expiry date will be on the front of your AED device. Step 3 – Check if you have any red blinking LEDs. If any of the Modem, Battery, Service or Electrode lights are flashing, they are due for replacement or service.

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DRSABCD And Defibrillators

DRSABCD The DRSABCD Action Plan is a vital guide to treating a patient in a life-threatening condition. It is an action plan used extensively by St John Ambulance DRSABCD, Surf Life Saving and by many schools, university, sporting clubs, corporate office and on-site workplaces. The action plan is extensively taught as part of Surf Life Saving Advanced Resuscitation program because incidents such as downings can cause cardiac arrest. There are estimates of over 30,000 incidents of cardiac arrests per year in Australia. It is calculated that every minute of delay will reduce the chances of survival by 10%. Essentially there is only a 10-minute window to deal with the incident. Receiving the proper training, practice and being fully prepared is essential given the short time frame. Defibrillator Training for DRSABCD Cardiac Defibrillators offers defibrillation training units, so participants of advanced resuscitation techniques can receive end-to-end training of the DRSABCD Action plan. It is perfectly safe to use since the unit does not provide defibrillation therapy, so it is perfect for hands-on training for the defibrillator section of the DRSABCD action program. The defibrillator trainer unit simulates different heart rhythms and gives students the opportunity to apply defibrillation pads, practice AED use, and perform CPR compression on a manikin. The clear, instructive voice and metronome guide the user through the rescue scenario. Reusable training pads enable instructors to provide training for adult and paediatric rescues. Other Defibrillator Training Resources We have a range of training resources for our defibrillators. View all our resources here. You can download our DRSABCD infographic to hang on the wall or place in the emergency response manual at work. DRSABCD is an acronym/mnemonic taught on first aid courses to help you have an action plan on how to respond in a medical emergency. It >stands for Danger, Response, Send for help, Airway, Breathing, Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and Defibrillation. If you haven’t already, make sure you do a CPR course – it could mean the vital difference between life and death. Knowing how to respond to the DRSABCD way means you can help keep a person breathing, reduce their pain or help them survive until an ambulance arrives. Danger: If you find yourself in an emergency situation, you need to ascertain how dangerous it is to you, any bystanders and the injured/ ill person before you try to help. Do not put yourself in harm’s way when going to the assistance of another person. Response: Check to see if the person is conscious. Do they respond when you talk to them, touch their hands or squeeze their shoulder? Communicate by talking to them loudly and gently shake their shoulders (not vigorously). If you do not get a response, the person is unconscious. Send for help: If you realise that the situation calls for emergency services, your first action should be to send/shout/summon for help. In Australia, the number for all emergency services is triple zero. Dial 000 and answer the questions asked by the operator. Bystanders should leave a clear path/ space around the patient so that emergency services can find their way quickly. Airway: Can the person breathe? Is the person’s airway clear? An unconscious patient is at risk of airway obstruction due to the tongue falling back. Perform a head tilt-chin lift to open their airway, this can be achieved by opening their mouth and having a look inside. If the person’s mouth is clear, tilt their head gently back (by lifting their chin) and check for breathing. If the person’s mouth is not clear, place the person on their side, open their mouth and clear any obstructions, then tilt the head back and check for breathing. Breathing: Check for breathing by looking for chest movements (up and down). Listen by putting your ear near to their mouth and nose. Feel for breathing by putting your hand on the lower part of their chest. If the person is unconscious but breathing, turn them onto their side, carefully ensuring that you keep their head, neck, and spine in alignment. Monitor their breathing until you hand over to the ambulance officers. CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation): If the person is unconscious and not breathing, make sure they are flat on their back and then place the heel of one hand in the centre of the person’s chest and your other hand on top. Press down firmly, compressing to one-third of the person’s chest depth. Do this 30 times. Give two breaths. To get the breath in, tilt their head back gently by lifting their chin. Pinch their nostrils closed, place your open mouth firmly over the person’s open mouth and blow firmly into their mouth. Keep going with the 30 compressions and two breaths at the speed of approximately five repeats in two minutes until you hand over to the arriving ambulance officers or another trained person, or until the person you are resuscitating responds. The method for CPR for children under eight years old is similar. Defibrillator: For an unconscious person who is not breathing, apply an automated external defibrillator (AED), if one is available. Many public places, clubs, and organisations have one, so ask for it. An AED is a machine that delivers an electrical shock to cancel any irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia)and get the normal heartbeat to re-establish itself. Follow the instructions and voice prompts. If the person responds to defibrillation, turn them onto their side and tilt their head to maintain their airway. If the patient is a child, make sure the AED is suitable to use on a minor.

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I Love My Second Chance At Life

A HUMAN chain of life support across a Cheltenham industrial park, linked by three emergency service units and a hospital ward, has saved new mum Samantha Jobe. She was about to start warming up for her workout at Crossfit121, with husband Damien and eight-week-old daughter Makayla looking on, when she collapsed. Mrs Jobe, 32, hadn’t tripped, as gym instructors first thought. Her heart had stopped and she had no pulse. Gym owner Chris Hoganand trainer Tara Smith swung into action, alternating between CPR compressions and breaths, while his wife Maria sprinted to nearby chemical company BASF. It recently bought a defibrillator, and had told other businesses in the Taunton Drive industrial estate. BASF workers Chloe Collins and Jack West ran the device back to the gym, where they successfully shocked Mrs Jobe to regain a pulse. An ambulance crew, fire brigade and a MICA unit arrived within ten minutes. They took over CPR and administered a breathing tube and blood pressure medications, to keep Mrs Jobe stable until she arrived at hospital. MICA paramedic Christine Edney said she feared the worst. “People are considered clinically brain dead after four to five minutes, so it’s really important to have that early access to CPR and defibrillation,” she said. “Any business such as gyms, hospitals, medical centres should have an automatic defibrillator. They’re not costly and they save lives.” Monash Heart cardiologists have not been able to find the cause of Mrs Jobe’s heart-stopping moment, with no family history of heart disease, she has had a defibrillator implanted — and the gym bought one last week. She has been given the all-clear by doctors to return to exercise, her husband and gym staff have imposed a ban for now. “I’m looking forward to getting back to a normal life, driving and exercising, but I’m just waiting for them to be comfortable about it,” she said. “It’s put a lot of things into perspective. They saved my life. I know how lucky I am that I will see Makayla grow up.” Written by Brigid O’Connell – Herald Sun Image: David Caird

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Fifteen-year-old basketballer suffers cardiac arrest on court

Measuring almost two-metres tall teenager Josh Simpson looks like nothing could bring him down. But the six-foot-five Melbourne basketballer almost died mid-game six weeks ago when he suffered a cardiac arrest. Josh was running back in defence while playing for the Aberfeldie Jetts and started to feel sick before collapsing. “My vision started closing in black. So I called for a sub and I can’t remember anything after that,” Josh told 9News. Mum Jodie rushed from the sidelines along with other parents and officials to start CPR. Josh was not breathing and had no pulse. “It was pretty terrifying. To see your son laying there lifeless was really hard,” Mrs Simpson said. Off-duty nurse George Fernandes was watching his son play on another court and heard the commotion. He grabbed the stadium’s public defibrillator to administer two shocks to Josh’s chest. “Then his heart started and he came back, and that was the best feeling,” George told 9News. Once Ambulance Victoria paramedics arrived Josh, miraculously, was conscious. His sudden heart failure was caused by hypertrophic cardiomyopathy – a common but potentially deadly condition affecting the ventricles. Now less than two months later, Josh is back on court to shoot a few hoops with team-mates – and to reunite with those who brought him back from the brink. “I want to say thank you to all the people who saved my life,” he said. “The people who came and helped are very brave. Very, very brave.” More Victorians than ever before are surviving cardiac arrest, thanks in part of the use of public defibrillator units. State Health Minister Jenny Mikakos said a record 75 per cent of cardiac arrest patients shocked with a defib machine last financial year survived. That survival rate is up from 65 per cent in the year 2015 to 2016. “Every second counts where there is a cardiac arrest and the fact that we have got more publicly accessible defibrillators in our community now is making a huge amount of difference,” Minister Mikakos told 9News. Ambulance Victoria’s Tony Walker says 90 per cent of cardiac arrest sufferers will not make it – unless CPR or defibrillation is applied. “When people step in and do what they have done in Josh’s case, and others in the community, we are seeing some of the best survival rates in the world,” Mr Walker said. Mrs Simpson is now advocating for more defibrillators on hand in case of emergency. “Every sporting hall should have them. Every school should have them. The community needs to step up. We need to do this,” she told 9News. Josh echoes his mum’s call – but is also focused on getting back to the game he loves. “What runs through my mind is ‘am I going to get back to basketball, am I going to work the hard yards and get to where I need to be in basketball?’”

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