Campaign to save lives
NORTHERN Health are partnering with Pacific Epping to deliver Ambulance Victoria’s Shocktober campaign by supporting Restart a Heart Day on October 16.
Every day around 21 Victorians suffer a cardiac arrest, with only one in 10 surviving. A cardiac arrest occurs when a person’s heart suddenly stops pumping blood effectively around the body.
For every minute that cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is delayed, survival decreases by 10 per cent. But when a patient receives CPR and a shock from an automated external defibrillator (AED) before paramedics arrive, their chance of survival more than doubles.
In partnership with Northern Health and Ambulance Victoria, Pacific Epping will host a Restart a Heart Day event at the Pacific Epping Connect Hub. The event aims to increase community awareness of CPR and AED use through practical learning opportunities, demonstrations and interactive activities.
Liz Ward, Resuscitation Coordinator at Northern Health, said the health service was delighted to continue its partnership with Pacific Epping and Ambulance Victoria to promote CPR and AED awareness across the community.
“By working together, we can help more people recognise the signs of a cardiac arrest and feel confident to take action when every second counts,” she said.
“We thank Pacific Epping for providing an accessible community space to share these important lifesaving skills and messages.”
Katie Cornelius, Ambulance Victoria Metropolitan Operations Community Engagement Liaison Coordinator, said Shocktober is about empowering Victorians to take action when they see someone in cardiac arrest.
“Held each October, Shocktober aims to highlight the importance of learning CPR and how to use an automated external defibrillator (AED), with Ambulance Victoria’s key message being to give every heart a chance,” she said.
“We want the community to know that they can make a lifesaving difference by following these simple steps: Call (call Triple Zero 000), Push,(push hard and fast on the middle of the chest to perform CPR), and Shock (use an AED).”
“When anyone is in cardiac arrest, don’t hesitate. Bystander intervention has the greatest impact on improving someone’s chance of surviving a cardiac arrest – you don’t need to be a paramedic to save a life.”
Matthew Vasilevski, Operations Manager, Pacific Epping, spoke about Pacific Epping’s dedication to community safety.
“We are committed to creating a safe environment where our retailers, staff, and customers feel informed, prepared, and supported so we can all play a part in responding effectively when it matters most,” he said.
The community is encouraged to attend the Restart a Heart Day event at Pacific Epping.
Attendees will have the opportunity to build hands-on skills, learn how early intervention can improve outcomes in a cardiac arrest, and gain greater confidence in responding to an emergency using CPR and an AED.
Events will also be held on October 16 at Epping’s Northern Hospital, the Kilmore District Hospital and Broadmeadows Hospital.
