The ACT Emergency Services Agency (ESA) marked Restart a Heart Day last week by participating in the Council of Ambulance Authorities’ (CAA) live online event.
The Agency said Restart a Heart Day was an annual initiative to educate the community about the importance of learning life-saving skills such as CPR and how to use a defibrillator.
“Time is a critical factor for survival and for every minute that passes without intervention, the chance of survival decreases by 10 per cent,” the ESA said.
“This is why Restart a Heart Day is so important,” it said.
“Three simple steps can save a life and everyone is encouraged to learn to Call.Push.Shock.”
The ESA said the first step was to call Triple Zero (000).
“The sooner you call, the sooner help will arrive,” it said.
“Push – start chest compressions as soon as possible by pushing down on the centre of the persons chest hard and fast, aim for a rate of two compressions per second.”
It said the third step was to use a defibrillator, also known as an AED (automated external defibrillator).
“Send someone to collect the nearest AED if there is one nearby, but do not stop compressions to get it,” the ESA said.
“To use, simply turn on the machine and follow the instructions.”
The ESA said this year’s CAA national campaign video featured the ACT Ambulance Service along with the Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia, David Hurley.
Further information on Restart a Heart Day, Including the CAA’s campaign video can be accessed at this PS News link.
