I read recently about a person's life being saved, after going into cardiac arrest while out running. Quick thinking good samaritans came to the person's aid, including one who grabbed a defibrillator (AED) from their workplace nearby. This, and quick action - CPR by bystanders, was credited with the person's full recovery.
The story mentioned awareness, eg need for a registry, app etc. to provide the locations of publicly available AEDs.
Eg. issues around location, public, 24/7 access.
https://www.australiawidefirstaid.com.a ... res-defib/Reducing the time it takes to locate an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) is key. If an AED is applied to a sudden cardiac arrest victim within the first minute of collapse, their chance of survival is 90%. For every minute that passes, their chance of survival drops 10%, leaving a 10 minute ‘window of opportunity’.
Various ambulance groups and state governments have taken action in this space eg Tasmania (map, app).
http://ambulance.tas.gov.au/community_information/eadp
Shopping centres, gyms, sport clubs/venues, pools, airports, cinemas, schools, hospital foyers, libraries, airports, trains, offices, construction worksites etc are likely locations.Ambulance Tasmania's Early Access to Defibrillation Program is designed to take advantage of the many publically-accessible AEDs across Tasmania. If a cardiac arrest occurs within a few blocks of a registered machine, its owner will be alerted and, where possible, take their defibrillator to the scene to help the patient.
The key is to be quick as defibrillation is most effective within the first 3 minutes...
So. Where is it?
Location awareness including within venue/centre. shop, office etc (prime/obvious?), clear signage and ready access are critical.
First aid kits, fire extinguishers, emergency exits are part of OHSW routine. AEDs are relatively affordable for work/public sites. Awareness and location on site (no training required) should be part of OHSW practice.
AEDs on Australian worksites - comprehensive report.
http://etunsw.asn.au/LiteratureRetrieve.aspx?ID=125537
Hours of opening comes into play with public access. With OTR (and other service stations) and many gyms now being 24/7 operations, and early/late/longer hours for some chemists, supermarkets, these would be great locations for more widespread distribution of AEDs.
Increased community and personal awareness is important.