This Restart a Heart Day 16 October, St John is working together with various agencies, community partners, and government representatives across Australia, to raise awareness of the importance of Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) and Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) in response to Sudden Cardiac Arrest. St John Ambulance Australia is calling on a united effort to improve awareness, training and public access to life-saving AEDs. The time for change is now.

A recent survey (September 2025) conducted by St John Ambulance Australia demonstrated a strong link between public confidence to provide CPR or use an AED and the recency of a person’s first aid training. It also found that while support for AEDs in workplaces, homes, public spaces and vehicles was very high, building the knowledge and skills to use them still needs attention.

St John Ambulance Australia CEO Brendan Maher explains, “Access to AEDs remains both an enabler or barrier to the immediacy of care depending on where that unit is. Chances of survival from sudden cardiac arrest are estimated to be reduced by seven to ten per cent for every minute that a person does not receive defibrillation. More AEDs in accessible locations across Australia’s public buildings, workplaces, homes and vehicles is critical. Quality CPR and early deployment of an AED offer the greater chance, whilst waiting for an ambulance to arrive.”

According to St John’s survey, 67% of people surveyed would have the confidence to administer CPR if needed, however only 19% felt strongly confident in their ability. People who had completed First Aid training in the past 12 months were far more ready – demonstrating that basic knowledge and skills development is an important focus for improving bystander response to Sudden Cardiac Arrest.

CPR is a life skill that can be easily learned through training, such as courses delivered by St John, and an AED is a portable and easy-to-use device that can be deployed by almost anyone to save a life. These are not things to be feared but instead practical skills and tools all Australians should have access to, in order to help their family, friends, colleagues and communities.

The study also showed that there has been a 12-month improvement in reducing fears around using an AED. This is largely due to the concerted efforts by organisations such as St John. There is still a great deal of room for improvement, with more than 2 in 5 (45%) of Australians still holding some fears and reservations around deploying an AED. Again, this is something that can easily be resolved through First Aid training and public education initiatives.

“With over 26,000 out-of-home Sudden Cardiac Arrests in Australia per annum, we know that bystander early intervention is essential. While the statistics might sound alarming, we can work together to place the power of CPR skills and AED access within arms’ reach for all Australians. This will undoubtably save lives,” said Mr Maher.

“These don’t need to be things that people are afraid of, because with knowledge and access comes empowerment. If you ever find yourself in the unfortunate position where you are witnessing a Sudden Cardiac Arrest, you are going to be in state of heightened pressure, but also extremely grateful to know how to provide CPR and to have an AED in easy access. A person saved and their family are going to be grateful too.”

St John Ambulance Australia has also added to the Restart a Heart Day discussions by acknowledging the great work being done in some States and Territories to enact legislation that improves public access to Automated External Defibrillators. Most recently notable, is the South Australian move to mandate defibrillators in public-access buildings and facilities, making sure they are available quickly to boost rates of survival from sudden cardiac arrest.

“We applaud this move, and it has been great to see St John working together with government, and with other emergency services and clinical organisations to arrive at a positive outcome for community. Around the nation this Restart a Heart Day we are seeing further collaborations with our Ambulance Authorities, Emergency Services, Members of Parliament and other Not-for-Profits. We encourage everyone to get behind this important work, and find out what’s happening in their community,” said Mr Maher.

St John Advocate Mark Molloy, an experienced Intensive Care Paramedic, delivers a powerful message grounded in frontline expertise, “The ‘Call, Push, Shock’ principle is absolutely critical when a person collapses, is unresponsive, and not breathing normally. First, call Triple Zero (000) to activate emergency services. Immediately begin CPR – thirty chest compressions followed by two rescue breaths – and if available, use an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) as soon as possible. That may mean directing someone nearby to retrieve an AED while you continue CPR. These actions, performed quickly and confidently, can dramatically increase the chance of survival.”

Modern AEDs such as the range provided by St John are lightweight, portable, and very easy to use. Upon applying the pads, they will begin analysing heart rhythm. They will then inform the user if and when a shock is required. Many also provide additional features, such as vocalised, real-time CPR feedback. This can be particularly reassuring that the right action is being taken. Overall, they are safe and effective.

“When I arrive at a scene and witness a member of the public already performing CPR, I know they have given the patient a fighting chance, and if an AED has also been applied, the odds of survival increase significantly. Early intervention saves lives. We need to see more of this – bystanders and Ambulance Services working in tandem to deliver rapid, life-saving care before paramedics arrive,” said Mr Molloy

To find out what’s happening in your local community for St John Day, follow St John Ambulance social media pages, or contact your local St John organisation. Visit www.stjohn.org.au to find your local St John, learn more about First Aid training, or buy an AED.

Event, Photo and Interview Opportunities

St John Ambulance Australia CEO Brendan Maher will be attending a pop-up Restart a Heart Day event at Questacon ACT from 12:00 Thursday 16 October alongside Emergency Services ACT, ACT Ambulance Service, ACT Fire and Rescue and St John Ambulance ACT.

For comment from Local State and Territory St John Representatives, contact their state-based media teams.

Brendan Maher, CEO St John Ambulance Australia and Mark Molloy, St John Advocate and ACT Intensive Care Paramedic are available for comment and interview.

Photos are available on request.

~ ENDS ~

For further information and opportunities:

Mliette Ornelas – 0450 555 971 or media@stjohn.org.au

Enita Hampton – 0415 937 290