Released 16/10/2025
On Restart a Heart Day the ACT Ambulance Service (ACTAS) is encouraging the community to take steps 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, with over 8,000 fatalities.
Data from St John Ambulance shows that survival rates from cardiac arrest can be increased by as much as 75% when bystanders step in quickly with CPR while waiting for paramedics to arrive.
You can help restart a heart by following 3 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 persons 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.
Minister for Police, Fire and Emergency Services, Dr Marisa Paterson, echoed the ACTAS message and encouraged the Canberrans to learn CPR.
“During my time as Minister, I’ve come to deeply appreciate the vital role our emergency services play in saving lives,” Minister 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.
“Out of the 173 cardiac arrests ACT Ambulance Service responded to in 2024-25, the 44 that were able to be revived and taken to hospital all received CPR and additional life support. These statistics demonstrate how critical CPR can be when someone is suffering from cardiac arrest.
“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.”
Quotes attributable to David Dutton, Chief Officer of ACT Ambulance Service:
“Intervention is a critical factor for survival, which is why we are asking Canberrans to learn how to perform CPR until a paramedic arrives. Doing something is always better than nothing. Follow the 3 simple steps - Call. Push. Shock.”
Quotes attributable to Brendan Maher, CEO of St John Ambulance Australia:
“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.
- Statement ends -
Marisa Paterson, MLA | Media Releases