Sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) can happen to anyone, anywhere

Every year in Australia, over 32,000 people have an SCA out of the hospital, and only about 10% of these people survive to leave the hospital and go home.¹ However, survival can be significantly increased with quick bystander response with both CPR and an AED.²

A survey of 1,000 Australians, commissioned by Philips in 2023³, indicates 1 in 7 people have been in a situation where an AED(Automated External Defibrillator) was needed. And yet, despite the significant impacts on survival, 74% of people are unaware of the location of an AED near their home and 52% are unaware as to whether their workplaces are equipped with an AED. The legislation is an important step in increasing accessibility of AEDs within the state and an opportunity to improve awareness.

Be ready to act – choosing the right AED for your organisation.

There are important factors to consider when purchasing an AED to ensure you can feel confident that you’re ready to act when needed.

• Environmental Suitability: Consider your workplace environment and refer to the device’s Instructions for Use. For example, not all AEDs can be used on metal surfaces, wet ground, or near mobile phones. Storage and operating temperatures are also crucial, especially in extreme conditions like the Australian summer, which can affect device performance.
• Ease of Use: Since co-workers or customers are often the first responders to sudden cardiac arrest in the workplace, it’s vital to have a device that is designed for ease of use with clear prompts.
• Maintenance: Ensure the chosen device requires little to no maintenance by having extensive self-testing capabilities.
• Clinical Efficacy: Verify that the AED is included in the ARTG and has clinical studies proving its shock delivery is effective for reviving patients.

How can we help?

Beyond installing an AED, it’s important that organisations build awareness amongst their staff, members, and community. At Philips, we value the opportunity to help support your efforts for a safer organisation. Connect with us and our local SA partner about Philips HeartStart AEDs to ensure you comply with the new requirements and that you’re ready to act.

For any questions related to AEDs, please contact –

Customer Service, Defibs Direct at sales@​defibsdirect.​com.​au ‑or- Philips at lyn.​donovan@​philips.​com

¹Aus-ROC epistry annual report 2024

²Sudden Cardiac Arrest Foundation. https://​www​.sca​-aware​.org/​s​i​t​e​s​/​d​e​f​a​u​l​t​/​f​i​l​e​s​/​d​o​w​n​l​o​a​d​s​/​2​0​2​0​-​s​c​a​-​i​n​f​o​g​r​a​p​h​i​c​-​f​l​y​e​r.pdf

³Philips Survey – ​“Where is Your AED” Survey Methodology and Findings, November 8, 2023

Always read the label and follow the directions for use

(i) call 000 immediately and ask for an ambulance if you suspect someone has had a sudden cardiac arrest; and

(ii) an AED will only deliver a shock to a person with a shockable rhythm; and

(iii) follow any verbal or visual prompts displayed on the AED until medical treatment arrives; and

(iv) additional emergency treatment such as CPR and rescue breaths may be required until medical treatment arrives.