17/09/2026
Most people picture a cardiac arrest happening at work. On a footy field. In a shopping centre.
80% of them happen at home.
Over 32,000 Australians have a cardiac arrest each year, and only 1 in 10 survive. But when CPR is started straight away and an AED is used within the first 3–5 minutes, survival climbs to 60–70%. (Heart Foundation)
What makes that difference is almost never the ambulance. It's whoever is standing closest.
World Heart Day is Tuesday 29 September, and this year's theme is Don't Miss a Beat. So, here's the one worth not missing — if someone is unresponsive and not breathing normally:
→ Call 000
→ Start chest compressions
→ Send someone for the nearest AED
And occasional gasping is not normal breathing. If you're not sure, start CPR.
HLTAID009 Provide CPR is a short course, and you spend it on the floor with a manikin and a trainer watching your technique — because reading about compressions and doing them are two different things.
Book in: https://dtetrainingsafety.com.au/training/provide-cardiopulmonary-resuscitation