When it comes to matters of the heart, particularly those unexpected and life-threatening moments of cardiac arrest, every second counts. In Victoria, Australia, the survival rate for such dire medical emergencies is not just a matter of chance—it’s among the best in the world, and there’s a remarkable system in place that’s saving lives.
Victoria’s exceptional cardiac arrest survival rate is no fluke. The Victorian Ambulance Cardiac Arrest Registry annual report for 2023/24 reveals groundbreaking advances in response and survival rates across the state. Victoria boasts the best cardiac survival rate in Australia and ranks third globally, trailing only behind King County in the US and Denmark. What could be the secret to this success?
The story of Austin Blight, a 17-year-old who suffered a sudden cardiac arrest while at the gym, is a testament to the efficacy of Victoria’s emergency response system. With no prior warning signs, Austin’s situation could have ended tragically had it not been for the quick actions of gym staff who performed CPR and used an automated external defibrillator (AED) to shock his heart back into rhythm before paramedics arrived.
Thanks to their prompt intervention, Austin not only survived but has since returned to school and the gym, continuing his life with a newfound appreciation.
The secret to this success lies in early intervention. In Victoria, bystander CPR was administered in a remarkable 79 per cent of witnessed cases, and a record 141 cases received a life-saving shock from a public AED. These early interventions, coupled with the expertise of paramedics and first responders, led to 422 cardiac arrest patients being discharged from the hospital, with 84 per cent returning home to their families.
The state’s network of over 7,500 publicly accessible defibrillators has been a game-changer, significantly improving survival rates. Without CPR or defibrillator intervention, cardiac arrest patients typically have only a 5-10 per cent chance of survival. But in Victoria, the odds are much more favourable.
Another innovative tool contributing to these impressive statistics is Ambulance Victoria’s free GoodSAM app. This app alerts registered users to nearby cardiac arrest incidents, enabling them to provide immediate assistance. With 17,327 registered responders and 793 cases attended by volunteers in the last year, the app effectively bridges the gap until professional help arrives.
Dr Ziad Nehme, Ambulance Victoria’s director of research and evaluation, attributes the state’s highest internationally comparable survival rate of 41 per cent to the collective effort of the community and emergency services. The significant rise from 36 per cent in the previous year marks the largest annual increase in a decade.
Ambulance services minister Mary-Anne Thomas echoes this sentiment, emphasising the importance of community involvement, saying, ‘Minutes matter in cardiac arrests and when a patient receives CPR and defibrillation before paramedics arrive, their chance of survival increases significantly.’
The Victorian model demonstrates the power of community education, accessibility to life-saving equipment, and technological innovation in improving outcomes for cardiac arrest patients. It’s a model that could inspire other regions to adopt similar strategies, potentially saving countless lives.
For our readers over 50, this information is particularly pertinent. Knowing that you live in a state with such a robust emergency response system can provide peace of mind. Moreover, it’s a reminder of the importance of learning CPR and familiarising oneself with the location of AEDs in public spaces.
Have you or someone you know been impacted by the quick response to a cardiac arrest? Do you feel more reassured knowing about the state’s high survival rates and the systems in place to maintain them? Share your thoughts and experiences with the YourLifeChoices community in the comments below.
Also read: Beyond chest pain: Subtle signs of heart attack you shouldn’t ignore
