Victoria has achieved a remarkable milestone in cardiac arrest survival rates, leading Australia and ranking third globally, according to the latest data from the Victorian Ambulance Cardiac Arrest Registry (VACAR) Annual Report 2023/24.
The report reveals a record-high 41% survival rate for cases where a bystander witnessed a cardiac arrest and the patient presented in a shockable rhythm, marking a 5% increase from the previous year.
This significant improvement underscores the critical role of immediate intervention. In the past year, 141 Victorians received bystander-administered CPR and treatment with public Automatic External Defibrillators (AEDs) while awaiting paramedic care. Notably, 47% of these patients survived, compared to a 32% survival rate without bystander intervention.
Out-of-hospital cardiac arrest remains a leading cause of death in Australia, affecting over 30,000 individuals annually. Without prompt treatment, survival rates decrease by 10% per minute, highlighting the importance of bystander CPR and AED accessibility. Victoria’s commitment to public health is evident, with over 7,500 publicly accessible defibrillators available across the state, significantly enhancing survival prospects for cardiac arrest patients.
The state’s proactive approach extends to technological innovations like Ambulance Victoria’s free GoodSAM app, which connects patients with registered volunteers who can provide CPR and defibrillation until emergency services arrive. With 17,327 registered responders, the app facilitated volunteer assistance in 793 cases over the past year.
To further combat the increasing incidence of cardiac arrests, Ambulance Victoria’s 2023-2028 Cardiac Arrest Improvement Strategy focuses on community-based education and participation programs. These initiatives aim to equip both adults and children with essential skills in CPR and AED usage, fostering a community prepared to act swiftly in emergencies.
Despite facing unprecedented demand, with paramedics responding to nearly 100,000 Code 1 cases this quarter—an increase of 3,000 from the previous year—Victoria’s ambulance services continue to deliver exceptional care. Since 2014, the government has invested over $2 billion into ambulance services, resulting in the recruitment of more than 2,200 additional paramedics, the delivery of 46 new or upgraded ambulance stations with five more underway, the deployment of Australia’s first paramedic practitioners, and the training and recruitment of 40 additional Mobile Intensive Care Ambulance (MICA) paramedics.
Minister for Ambulance Services Mary-Anne Thomas praised the community’s efforts, stating, “We have the best cardiac arrest survival rate in Australia and among the highest in the world – it is incredible to see Victorians going out of their way to help others in need, saving lives and getting them home to their families.” She emphasised the importance of immediate action, noting, “Minutes matter in cardiac arrests, and when a patient receives CPR and defibrillation before paramedics arrive, their chance of survival increases significantly.”
These advancements reflect a collective commitment to improving cardiac arrest outcomes, demonstrating the life-saving impact of community involvement, technological innovation, and substantial investment in emergency medical services.
Source: https://www.miragenews.com/victoria-tops-global-cardiac-arrest-survival-1430931/
Operating in Australia since 1999, Cardiac Defibrillators extends lives by supplying the public and healthcare professionals with life-saving automated external defibrillators (AEDs).
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