Defibrillators

The Club recently upgraded our Automated External Defibrillators (AED’S) and increased the number we carry on site. We have also partnered with HeartSmart Australia to assist us on our journey.

HeartSmart Australia empowers businesses and communities to prevent Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA) deaths. They provide vital tools, training, and resources, ensuring every workplace is prepared to respond quickly. Their aim is to make AEDs accessible and educate on emergency preparedness, improving survival rates.

Green Acres is undertaking an accreditation process to become designated “HeartSmart approved”.

Our AED’s are easy to use and you cannot hurt anyone using these devices.

Our AED’s can be found in the breezeway cupboard and on course at the 7^th and 16^th tee toilet blocks. Signage indicates their location for fast and easy access. Click on the images below to see fullsize images.

The video below provides advice on how to use our new AED units should the situation arise. These units use simple graphics, audible instructions and automated features that help users remain focused during a sudden cardiac arrest emergency.

Below are some FAQ’S with the relevant information provided for assurance.

What is an AED? And what outcomes do they provide?

An AED is an Automated External Defibrillator. It is a device which is placed on a person who has had a cardiac arrest, in an attempt to save their life. The AED is used to deliver an electrical shock to the patient’s heart in an attempt to “restart” normal, spontaneous electrical activity within the heart. Use of an AED within the first three minutes of a cardiac arrest has shown to improve lifesaving outcomes of patients from 5% up to 70%.

Who can use an AED?

Literally almost anyone – even an 8 year old child – could use an AED. AEDs are almost self-working, and have pictures showing how to use it – from placing the pads on the chest of the patient through to shocking them with the device. Even in an emergency situation, the instructions are clear and easy to understand. Most AED’s (if not all) have voice prompts that talk you through the process of using the device so that it can have the best chance of being used successfully to save a life.

Can using an AED be harmful to the patient or the rescuer?

No. An AED will only deliver a shock to the patient if they require it. The rescuer is not at risk of being shocked if they follow instructions. It is our understanding that the rescuer is asked to stand clear of the patient so they do not take the effectiveness of the shock away from the patient.

Do you have to do training or be qualified to use an AED?

There is no training, certification or qualifications required to use an AED. They are able to be used for the first time by anyone in an emergency situation.

So please, if you need to use it, do not be afraid to have a go at using it to save someone’s life. They are simple to use, safe, and quite literally could mean the difference between life and death.

Are AED’s successful in all cases of Sudden Cardiac Arrest?

Unfortunately, AED’s are not successful in all cases of Sudden Cardiac Arrest. However, they DO have success in a lot of cases.

The cases where AED’s are not successful are likely to be cases that involve an asystolic heart rhythm. When a patient has an asystolic heart rhythm, the AED will not shock the patient, and CPR should continue to be performed until paramedic advanced care arrives. Even if a patient is in a shockable rhythm (usually VF, or ventricular fibrillation), they can deteriorate into an unshockable, asystolic rhythm unless CPR and defibrillation occurs.

To give the patient the best chance of survival, defibrillation needs to occur as quickly as possible, ideally within the first three minutes of going into cardiac arrest. That is why we are advocating for these live saving devices to be more prominent in the community, and to have more-easily identifiable signage and promotion of the locations of these machines.

We will continue to add more literature and training videos for members to read and view as we continue along our journey with HeartSmart.

Peter Busch
General Manager