Schocktober to save lives

270010_01

Ambulance Victoria is aiming to give more people the chance to survive a cardiac arrest during Shocktober.

Held throughout the month of October, Shocktober is a campaign where Ambulance Victoria will be sharing inspiring stories, facts, and information aimed at reducing the amount of deaths caused by cardiac arrest.

A cardiac arrest occurs when the heart suddenly stops pumping blood effectively around the body, as distinct from a heart attack where blood flow is blocked.

Every day around 21 Victorians suffer a cardiac arrest, with only one in 10 surviving and immediate action in the form of CPR or the use of an automated emergency defibrillator (AED) is considered critical in saving lives.

To raise awareness and educate the community about learning CPR and how to use an AED, Restart A Heart Day on October 16 is incorporated into the Schocktober campaign.

To learn more about Schocktober and how to perform CPR, use an AED or sign up as a GoodSAM responder, visit: www.ambulance.vic.gov.au/shocktober