9 in 10 people that have a cardiac arrest outside of hospital won’t survive. What’s more, the chances of survival drops 10% for every minute that passes without CPR or AED intervention. These sobering statistics tell us we need more public awareness around spotting the signs of cardiac arrest and providing essential first aid care in emergency situations.
Restart a Heart Day is a global initiative aimed at educating people about the risks of cardiac arrest, how to spot the warning signs and what to do in an emergency. This year’s Restart a Heart Day falls on October 16th 2022, and is the ideal opportunity to spread awareness, whether you’re an individual, employer or community organisation. Join us in sharing the life-saving message of Restart a Heart Day this year.
Restart a Heart Day 2022
Restart a Heart Day is an initiative by the European Resuscitation Council, coordinated in Australia by the Council of Ambulance Authorities. The initiative advocates for cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and defibrillator use. It also aims to educate communities about how to spot the signs of cardiac arrest, and what to do about it. By increasing awareness, we can improve survival rates and provide better care for our communities.
Why Restart a Heart Day matters
Cardiac arrest is a common medical emergency affecting our communities and loved ones. According to Restart a Heart, 30,000 Australians experience an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest every year. The majority of these cardiac arrests occur in the home. Knowing how to respond in an emergency gives mums, dads, grandparents and loved ones a greater chance of survival.
What is a cardiac arrest?
A cardiac arrest is when the heart suddenly stops. It’s usually caused by problems with the heart’s electrical system. Without a supply of blood, the brain and other organs become starved of oxygen. A cardiac arrest is a life-threatening emergency that requires urgent medical care. Timely CPR compressions and electric shocks from an AED can greatly increase the chances of survival.
The signs of cardiac arrest include:
- No breathing
- Loss of consciousness
- Collapse
- No pulse
Before sudden cardiac arrest, a person may experience symptoms such as:
- Discomfort or pain in the chest
- Shortness of breath
- Weakness
- Heart palpitations
- Dizziness
- Vomiting
What to do in a cardiac arrest emergency
The Restart a Heart Day campaign promotes the message: “Call, Push, Shock”.
- Call – Call 000 for emergency medical help. Do not attempt to drive if you are suffering cardiac arrest.
- Push – If the person is unconscious or not breathing, start CPR chest compressions immediately. Place the heel of your hand on the centre of their chest and press down hard and fast. Keep your arms straight and use your body weight. Aim to press the chest down about a third of the depth.
- Shock – Use an AED if one becomes available. Attach the AED and follow the voice prompts. Continue providing CPR until the AED is attached properly. Ensure no one is touching the patient when the electric shocks are delivered.
AEDs increase the chance of survival
According to Heart Research Australia, using an AED in the first minute of cardiac arrest can potentially increase the rate of survival to 90%.
AEDs can be used by anyone, not just medical professionals or trained first aid officers. Knowing how to use a defibrillator can make you more confident in an emergency situation to provide an electrical shock as quickly as possible. However, even with no experience AEDs are designed to be easy to use. Models such as Heartsine defibrillator feature audible and visual indicators to guide users what to do. Once the AED is attached to the patient, it will automatically measure the electrical activity of their heart and only provide an electric shock if it is needed.
Read our guide: How does a defibrillator work?
Save more lives with first aid training
First aid training is an effective way to increase awareness about cardiac arrest, CPR and AED use. CPR skills should be refreshed every year, according to guidelines from the Australian Resuscitation Council. CPR training can improve confidence and decision making in an emergency, increasing survival rates. Practising with an AED trainer can also improve the speed of response in a real life emergency, and could mean the difference between life and death.
Our commitment to better first aid care
At LFA First Response, we believe the message of Restart a Heart Day is vitally important. In addition to spreading awareness about appropriate first aid response in cardiac emergencies, we’re committed to supplying reliable, high quality medical supplies and equipment.
When it comes to cardiac arrests, seconds count. Knowing that you have the right equipment on hand to respond quickly and effectively is crucial. Our range of defibrillators and first aid kits are appropriate for schools, workplaces, community organisations, health care settings and more.
For tailored first aid solutions, speak with our customer service team today on 1800 681 544.
