Defib For Life Wagga

Sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) is a condition in which the heart suddenly and unexpectedly stops beating; the heart's electrical system malfunctions causing rhythms that is rapid (ventricular tachycardia) or chaotic (ventricular fibrillation) or both. The heart muscle quivers or fibrillates rather than pump blood. Vital organs are immediately deprived of oxygen, causing the victim to collapse. SCA usually causes death if it's not treated within minutes.

According to the Data, 30,000 out of hospital SCA happen each year – 85% die and only between 6-13% make it past one year (according to Resuscitation Council stats)

An Automated External Defibrillator (AED) is an external device that delivers an electrical shock to the heart when an arrhythmia is present to restore the heart to a regular rhythm after it has suffered a sudden cardiac arrest. In fact, a defibrillator shock is the only definitive treatment of Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA).

Anyone can operate an AED, as it is the machine that makes the decision whether to shock or not, not the operator. It is a common misconception that comprehensive training is necessary to operate an AED. The machinery itself walks the user through the process step-by-step to guide the user in the event of an emergency.

Defib For Life recommends that due to the seriousness of the circumstances in which a device is to be used, that a short training session is provided with every AED that is purchased to ensure many people within the sporting club or business have a base knowledge of what to do in the case of an emergency. It is important to understand that fully automatic AED’s will not shock if they detect electrical impulses, e.g., a regular heart rate, so there is no chance of harming the victim.

Before operating the AED, Stay calm and call 000. When the AED kit is opened, the machine will commence talking the user through the process, beginning by asking the user to place the sticky pads onto the chest of the person in cardiac arrest. From here, the electrodes send information about the heart rhythm to the AED, to analyse whether an electric shock is required, or whether CPR should be continued. If a shock is required, the AED will advise, and ask all present to prepare for the machine to deliver a shock. This will not occur if a regular heart rhythm is detected, which is why no harm can be done by attaching the AED in an emergency situation.

AED's are so vital as it is the only thing that will arrest a Sudden Cardiac Arrest! When a Sudden Cardiac Arrest occurs, the heart stops; and an AED is the only piece of equipment that will restart the heart.

AEDs are an extremely vital piece of technology within the community, as SCA is the leading cause of death in Australia. More than 30,000 Australians suffer an out of hospital SCA every year. Every minute that passes following a sudden cardiac arrest, the chances of survival reduce by 10%, and the first five minutes after occurrence are the most crucial. On average in Australia, ambulances take 9-15 minutes to arrive, which is why having an AED ready and accessible in all public areas is vital.

Business, community groups, sporting groups and schools can apply for the Defib For Life Wagga grant by accessing the application form.