Rochester better equipped to save lives

October 8, 2024 | in Community News, Shocktober 2024

The Rochester community can now better respond to cardiac arrests thanks to a new automated external defibrillator (AED) and public training session to equip locals with the skills to take life-saving action.

The new AED, funded by the Rochester Ambulance Auxiliary, is located at the front of Rochester’s new ambulance branch and is publicly accessible 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

AEDs are automated devices that are used during a cardiac arrest to attempt to shock the patient’s heart back into normal function.

Rochester Ambulance Community Officer (ACO) David Harris said the device is a boost for the town, in case of a medical emergency.

“Every day, around 21 Victorians will suffer a cardiac arrest and only one in 10 survive,” David said.

“A cardiac arrest occurs when a person’s heart suddenly stops pumping blood effectively around the body, and can happen to anyone, anytime, anywhere.

“When a patient receives cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and a shock from an AED before paramedics arrive, their chance of survival more than doubles.

“It shows that anyone can save a life in three simple steps: Call (call Triple Zero 000), Push (perform CPR) and Shock (use an AED).”

Locals were taught these three simple but life-saving skills at a recent training session with the Rochester Senior Citizens Club.

David said while a Call, Push, Shock session can make people feel more confident, no training is required to use an AED.

“Anyone can use an AED so if someone is in cardiac arrest and an AED is available, simply open it and follow the instructions,” he said.

“AEDs are safe to use and will not deliver a shock unless it is necessary.”

Ambulance Victoria (AV) representatives are currently out and about across Victoria teaching Call Push Shock as part of AV’s annual Shocktober campaign, which highlights the importance of bystander CPR and defibrillation in cardiac arrest survival.

Last year, paramedics responded to a record 7,830 cardiac arrest patients across Victoria – but there was also record bystander intervention, with 139 cardiac arrest patients receiving a shock from a public AED.

The Shocktober campaign calls for Victorians to step up for their communities and sign up as a GoodSAM responder.

“GoodSAM is a life-saving smartphone app that connects Victorians in cardiac arrest with members of the community who are willing to start CPR in the critical minutes before paramedics arrive,” David explained.

“You don’t have to be first-aid qualified or have a medical background to sign up – you just need to be willing and able to do hands-only CPR, be over 18 years of age and have access to a smartphone.”

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