Ambulance Victoria launches Heart Safe Communities Initiative

This program seeks to arm employees of small businesses with the skills and confidence needed to respond effectively during cardiac emergencies. Potentially, turning their workplaces into safe havens for both customers and staff.

With numerous out-of-hospital cardiac arrests occurring each year in Victoria, swift action is vital. Survival rates for such incidents remain distressingly low, but studies have shown that immediate intervention can be a game-changer. Bystanders who are trained in Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) can double a victim’s chances of survival. When combined with the use of an Automated External Defibrillator (AED), those odds skyrocket even further.

The Heart Safe Communities initiative caters to the unique needs of small businesses. Recognizing that these establishments often form tight-knit communities of their own, the program offers free training sessions lasting approximately 1.5 hours. These sessions equip participants with essential life-saving skills and the know-how to act confidently during emergencies. Upon request, attendees can receive certification for their training.

The initiative also introduces small business owners and employees to the Good Sam app. This innovative tool connects individuals trained in CPR and AED usage with nearby cardiac arrest cases, enabling rapid and coordinated responses that can make all the difference.

To schedule a training session for your small business, Ambulance Victoria welcomes inquiries at metro10.communityengagement@ambulance.vic.gov.au. By fostering Heart Safe Communities within small businesses, Ambulance Victoria aims to transform ordinary workplaces into extraordinary spaces where lives can be saved. Your business could be the next to make a life-saving impact in your community.