Empowering Young Lifesavers with Our Heart Safe School Lifesaving Program

Heart Safe School Lifesaving Program for kids at St-Mary Catholic Primary School in Manly captured by Channel 10 Good News during Heart Week.

Our Heart Safe School Program is dedicated to enhancing awareness and education among students and staff on the critical 3-Steps to save a life, emphasizing the crucial role defibrillators play in out-of-hospital cardiac arrest situations.

We believe that equipping children with the ability to respond effectively to cardiac emergencies is not just education—it's a transformation into being capable, confident lifesavers. Whether it's assisting a family member at home or a stranger in the community, these skills are invaluable. Our aim is for every child to be prepared and proactive, making lifesaving know-how a standard part of their learning journey, repeated annually for reinforcement and skill retention.

A big THANK YOU again to the Insurance Advisernet Foundation and Amanda Smith from Optimum Insurance Services for the prior sponsorship for the defibrillator donation making St-Mary’s Catholic School a Heart Safe School®.

Did You Know?

Startling Statistic: 575 Sudden Cardiac Arrests Weekly in Australia - Every week, 575 Australians experience a sudden cardiac arrest out-of-hospital, and shockingly, ONLY 1 out of 10 will survive.

Act Fast: You Have Just 3-5 Minutes! During a cardiac arrest, every second counts. Restart the heart within 3 to 5 minutes for the best chance of survival. Don't wait, every moment is critical!

We find that most people:

  • Do NOT know where your nearest defibrillator is? Most of us spend the bulk of our time at home or work, but surprisingly, many don't know where to find the closest defibrillator. In a cardiac emergency, knowing this location is as crucial as the device itself. Take a moment to locate your nearest defibrillator—it's a piece of knowledge that could save lives.

  • Are NOT prepared to act in a cardiac emergency? Many people, even those who have undergone CPR training, feel unprepared and lack confidence when faced with a cardiac arrest or heart attack situation. It's crucial not only to learn CPR but also to regularly refresh your skills and knowledge. Being ready can make all the difference—empower yourself to save a life.

  • Do NOT know the Lifesaving D.R.S.A.B.C.D. steps? Many are not confident or familiar with the essential D.R.S.A.B.C.D. protocol needed during a cardiac arrest or heart attack. These steps are crucial in managing such emergencies effectively. Boost your confidence and readiness by learning and practicing these lifesaving actions. Preparedness can turn an ordinary person into a lifesaver!

  • Do NOT know the difference between a cardiac arrest (electrical) and a heart attack (circulation) and how crucial time is during a Sudden Cardiac Arrest as a defibrillator MUST be placed on the patient within 3-5 minutes for best chance of survival.

  • CPR: Crucial in heart attacks, but NOT enough for cardiac arrests Understanding CPR is vital—it can sustain life in heart attack cases by keeping the heart beating until emergency services arrive. However, in a cardiac arrest, where the heart stops, CPR alone isn’t enough. Immediate use of a defibrillator is essential to restart the heart and save a life. Know the difference; it could be a lifesaver.

 

❤️Life-Saving Skills: Essential for Everyone, Everywhere

It’s crucial that as many people as possible including kids in communities, are educated, able, and ready to act in life-saving situations during everyday life. Empowering individuals with the knowledge and skills to respond to emergencies can make a profound difference. Let’s ensure everyone is prepared to save a life—it's a responsibility we all share.

❤️Everyone can be a Lifesaver: The Power of Awareness and Education

With the right knowledge and tools, anyone including kids can become a lifesaver. Defibrillator awareness, access, and education are key. We believe in empowering individuals everywhere to step up in emergencies. Join us in spreading this crucial knowledge—your actions could save a life."

Find out more about our Heart Safe School and other Life Saving Programs

Max & the Heart Safe Australia team. 

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Creating Heart Safe Workplaces Across Australia