Defibrillator – Your Workplace's Life Saving Asset

Minutes matters, because every life matters.

Sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) is a sudden loss of blood flow resulting from the failure of the heart to effectively pump. Sudden cardiac arrest is the single largest health issue facing Australian workplaces. As the name suggests, its sudden; with no warning. It can happen anywhere, to anyone. 30,000 Australians die every year from SCA every year, making it Australia’s biggest killer.

For every minute that passes without CPR and defibrillation, the chance of survival for a casualty decreases by 7 to 10 percent. Early CPR and defibrillation is provided within minutes this offers the best chance of survival.

Currently only 10% of people survive out of hospital sudden cardiac arrests.

WorkSafe is urging employers to consider installing a life-saving defibrillator at their workplace

Automated external defibrillators (AED) a life saving asset. They are easy to use. They talk to you, tell you exactly what to do.

Under Occupational Health and Safety legislation, employers have a responsibility to provide a safe and healthy environment for their workers. Investing in an AED for your workplace, demonstrates the workplaces commitment to providing a safe work environment.

WorkSafe wants all employers to consider whether having an AED would boost the welfare of their workers.

Defibrillation within the first few minutes of having a Sudden Cardiac Arrest, can increase the chance of survival, to over 70%.

"Very few people survive a cardiac arrest without swift assistance and the use of an automated external defibrillator (AED) might be the difference between life and death," Ms Julie Nielsen said.