On Restart a Heart Day, the ACT Ambulance Service (ACTAS) is encouraging the community to learn CPR and how to use an automated external defibrillator (AED). These simple skills can mean the difference between life and death.

Cardiac arrests are one of the leading causes of death in Australia.

In the past year alone, more than 54,000 Australians suffered heart attacks — and more than 8,000 died.

But survival rates from cardiac arrest can be increased by as much as 75 per cent when bystanders step in quickly with CPR while waiting for paramedics to arrive, data from St John Ambulance shows.

You can help restart a heart by following three simple steps:

• Call – Call triple-zero. The sooner you call, the sooner help will arrive.
• Push – Start chest compressions as soon as possible by pushing down on the centre of the person’s chest hard and fast. Aim for a rate of two compressions per second.
• Shock – Send someone to collect the nearest AED if there is one nearby, but do not stop compressions to get it. To use, simply turn on the machine and follow the instructions.

ACTAS responded to 173 cardiac arrests in 2024-25; the 44 that were revived and taken to hospital all received CPR and additional life support.

“Intervention is a critical factor for survival, which is why we are asking Canberrans to learn how to perform CPR until a paramedic arrives,” David Dutton, chief officer of ACTAS, said. “Doing something is always better than nothing. Follow the 3 simple steps — Call. Push. Shock.”

Brendan Maher, CEO of St John Ambulance Australia, said: “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 undoubtedly save lives.

“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 accessible AED. The person saved and their family are going to be grateful too.”

Dr Marisa Paterson MLA, Minister for Police, Fire and Emergency Services, echoed ACTAS’s message.

“During my time as Minister, I’ve come to deeply appreciate the vital role our emergency services play in saving lives,” Dr Paterson said.

“But this responsibility doesn’t rest solely on their shoulders. Every member of our community has a part to play in keeping one another safe.

“Restart a Heart Day is a powerful reminder that saving a life isn’t always the job of a professional. Immediate intervention can be the difference between life and death. That’s why I urge all Canberrans to learn CPR, a simple skill that can sustain a life until paramedics arrive.”