Shocktober, an annual month-long event now in its sixth year, is a vital initiative led by Ambulance Victoria aiming to highlight the importance of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and how to use an automated external defibrillator (AED).
Clubs play a vital role in initiatives like Shocktober, such as when a Geelong man suffered a cardiac arrest while playing lawn bowls in June.
Richard Sinclair collapsed on the green at Geelong Bowls Club, but was fortunate to have onlookers ready to support him.
Together, they initiated a chain of survival dubbed ‘Call Push Shock’ – calling Triple Zero before starting CPR and retrieving the club’s AED, which was used to save Sinclair’s life.
The call was also flagged on the GoodSAM app, which alerted a nearby paramedic on his way to work, who immediately came to assist.
While paramedics were on the scene in minutes, it was the quick actions of the bystanders who ensured Sinclair’s safety that day.
As part of the Shocktober events, Sinclair and his bowling friends were reunited with the paramedics who assisted on the day.
“I think everyone should learn CPR and where their nearest defibrillator is located. You never know when you might need it, and it could save someone,” said Sinclair.
AEDs can be the difference between life and death as it was for Sinclair, and every club should have one.
Grants programs to acquire AEDs are available around Australia.
Victoria is fortunate to have the highest cardiac survival rates in Australia and ranks third globally. However, while around twenty-one Victorians experience a cardiac arrest each day, only one in ten survive.
Sara Hadden, Acting Operations Community Engagement Coordinator for Ambulance Victoria said that a cardiac event can happen to anyone at any time, no matter their age or fitness level.
“Richard’s outcome reinforces how critical CPR and defibrillation are in the minutes before paramedics arrive on scene,” she said.
“It’s because of those early actions that he’s alive today and back on the green.
“Our message is simple – you don’t need to be a paramedic to save a life, just remember to Call (Triple Zero 000), Push (Perform CPR) and Shock (use an AED).”
Victorian clubs are encouraged to register their AEDs online to help connect AEDs with those who need them quickly.
