A sudden cardiac arrest can happen to anyone, at any time.
A defibrillator or Automated External Defibrillator (AED) is a portable electronic device that detects life-threatening abnormal heart rhythms and delivers an electrical shock if needed.
AEDs detect if the heart has a shockable rhythm. They only deliver a shock if required— an AED will not shock someone when a normal heartbeat is detected, or there is no heartbeat at all.
AEDs also give simple step-by-step instructions. This means anyone can use an AED, even if you’ve never seen or used one before. *
More than 26,000 people have a cardiac arrest out of hospital every year in Australia, and only about 10 per cent of these people survive. *
But acting quickly can help save lives. If a bystander uses an AED in addition to CPR, the survival rate can increase to 60-70%. *
We’re pleased to make this life saving equipment available in our pharmacies and to the local communities where we operate.
In addition to AEDs, know our staff are first-aid trained.
Community Care Chemist, proudly supporting the health of our Geelong community.
*Source: Heart Foundation
