Start a heart this Shocktober

VICTORIANS are being invited to learn or refresh their cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) skills as part of Ambulance Victoria’s Shocktober campaign.

This October marks the sixth year of the initiative, which aims to increase cardiac survival rates across the state.

Last year, paramedics responded to 7,545 cardiac arrest cases in Victoria, with most occurring at home.

Ambulance Victoria medical director associate professor David Anderson said it was essential to know CPR and how to use an Automated External Defibrillator (AED).

“Shocktober is about giving more Victorians who suffer a cardiac arrest a better

chance of returning to their loved ones.

“Cardiac arrest can happen to anyone, anytime, anywhere, at any age, health or fitness level, and often without symptoms.

“For every minute CPR is delayed, survival decreases by 10 per cent.

“Our message is simple — you don’t need to be a paramedic to save a life. Just remember to Call (Triple Zero 000), Push (perform CPR) and Shock (use an AED).”

Ambulance Victoria’s latest data showed the state achieved its highest internationally comparable survival rate of 41 per cent of patients surviving to hospital discharge.

This is Australia’s best cardiac survival rate and the third best in the world.

Regional Victoria has significantly boosted cardiac arrest survival rates due to the swift action of bystanders who use publicly available AEDs.

Mr Anderson said more Victorians can ready themselves for action by signing up to be a GoodSAM Responder.

The app connects patients in cardiac arrest with a nearby volunteer who is willing to begin CPR while paramedics are on their way.

“There are currently more than 17,300 GoodSAM Responders across the state, but we need more.”

As part of Shocktober, Ambulance Victoria is running hundreds of free events to teach Call, Push, Shock.

To find your closest event, head to ambulance.vic.gov.au/shocktober