Quick action key in cardiac arrest incidents

A109 Light Utility Helicopter flight with mayor Gisborne City from the air in November 2023.

TODAY is annual Restart a Heart Day and St John points to three steps that can make the difference between life and death for someone in cardiac arrest.

Restart a Heart Day on October 16 is a global initiative aimed at highlighting the importance of taking immediate action when someone goes into cardiac arrest.

Last year, St John Ambulance treated more than 2000 people for a cardiac arrest around New Zealand, with only 31 percent of them surviving to hospital arrival, and only 13 percent leaving hospital alive.

“Cardiac arrest can happen to anyone, regardless of age or medical history and it continues to be New Zealand's biggest silent killer, with heart disease one of the main causes of death in Aotearoa each year,” said St John clinical director Dr Tony Smith.

“A person's survival rate drops by 10-15 percent for every minute without CPR or defibrillation – but their chances dramatically improve the sooner CPR begins.

“St John wants everyone to have the confidence to perform the three steps that can double a person's chance of survival,” Dr Smith said.

“Those steps are to call 111 for an ambulance, start CPR and use an AED (automated external defibrillator).

“Using an AED is simpler than using a mobile phone. Anyone can do it, just turn it on and follow the voice instructions.”

Dr Smith said last year St John trained more than 67,000 people in CPR in New Zealand and how to use an AED.

“If you want to learn these skills you can sign up for a free programme called ‘3 Steps for Life', and if you already know CPR and how to use an AED, you can become a ‘GoodSAM' responder.

“You can be alerted to cardiac arrests in your community, so you can provide help before emergency services arrive.”

New Zealand has more than 6000 people registered as GoodSAM responders and the number of AEDs in the community was growing, with more than 5500 registered throughout the country, he said.

“That number has been bolstered at a number of marae across New Zealand too, with gifts of AEDs into vulnerable communities by ASB with the support of Phillips and St John. In addition, all ASB branches have AEDs.”

To find out more about Restart a Heart Day, visit ‘Restart a Heart”.