It’s shockingly simple to help save a life – just use an AED!

Media release: Tuesday 29 October

South Australians are being urged to use an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) in the event of a cardiac arrest, with a local campaign launching to highlight how simple AEDs are to use.

The ‘Shockingly Simple’ campaign, a partnership between the Heart Foundation and Heart of the Nation, aims to educate the South Australian community on how easy life-saving defibrillators are to use in an emergency.

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 is around 50%.

The month-long Shockingly Simple campaign pre-empts the soon-to-be widespread installation of AEDs in more buildings and public places from 1 January 2025. The legislation to improve the accessibility of AEDs in the community places South Australia as a national leader in the space, with other states and territories yet to follow its precedent.

Heart Foundation South Australia General Manager Claire Gardner said the Heart Foundation and Heart of the Nation strongly supported advocacy efforts for South Australia to be at the forefront of AED accessibility.

“Because we expect to see even more AEDs out in the community next year, we want to encourage everyone to call Triple Zero (000) in an emergency and grab the nearest AED and have a go, because you could help to save someone’s life. AEDs are shockingly simple to use.”

Defibrillator myths and misconceptions

People may be reluctant to use an AED because they fear they may hurt someone if they don’t use it correctly. However, an AED is easy to attach and if the person does not have a shockable rhythm, the technology will not allow the machine to shock.

Heart Foundation Future Leader Fellow and Vanguard Grant researcher, Professor Janet Bray of Monash University, is researching the early links in the chain-of-survival (also known as Call, Push, Shock) and said it was important to dispel the myths around using an AED.

“There is a lack of awareness that anyone can use an AED. We know that people who have CPR training tend to be more confident using an AED, but you don’t need any special training to use one. All you really need to do is get the machine, turn it on and follow its voice prompts—they’re incredibly easy to use,” Prof Bray said.

“The Triple Zero (000) call-taker will also guide you through how to perform CPR and use an AED. All you need to do is get the AED and put it on.

“You can’t hurt someone in cardiac arrest by using one, because without your assistance their chance of survival is very low.”

In all Australian states and territories, there is also a Good Samaritan law which protects people who provide aid, advice or care in good faith at the scene of an emergency or accident.

South Australian resident Daniel Lowe went into sudden cardiac arrest while working out at a gym at the age of 35, after no history of heart problems. He credits the quick and confident actions of his bystanders who performed CPR and used a near-by AED with saving his life.

“AEDs are a life saver. In my case I was fortunate it was used immediately and if it wasn’t I wouldn’t be here today. We need to heighten the exposure of the use of AEDs and where they are located,” he said.

“Don’t be scared about using one, you can’t hurt anyone by using it—in fact, quite the opposite—how good would it feel to help save someone’s life?”

Heart of the Nation CEO and original Yellow Wiggle, Greg Page, said he also owed his life to an AED after bystanders rushed to his aid during his cardiac arrest in 2020.

An AED saved my life, and you may be surprised to learn how shockingly simple they are to use. Honestly, you just turn the AED on and it talks to you, giving you all the guidance you need.

Greg Page

Heart of the Nation CEO

“If my responders didn't give it a go, I may not be alive today. You could save someone's life too," Mr Page said.

The Shockingly Simple campaign will serve as a pilot for the Heart Foundation for a potential national rollout.

To learn more about the Shockingly Simple campaign, visit: https://www.heartfoundation.org.au/shockingly-simple