October marks Shocktober, a month dedicated to raising awareness about sudden cardiac arrest and the importance of knowing CPR and having access to an Automated External Defibrillator (AED).
During Shocktober 2024, St John Ambulance Tasmania reopened its Community Safe Program, giving Tasmanian community groups and non-profit organisations the opportunity to apply for a free AED.
The initiative aimed to improve access to lifesaving equipment in communities where an AED may not otherwise have been readily available.
Through Community Safe grant rounds, AEDs were distributed to organisations across Tasmania, including JCP Youth, The Dogs’ Home of Tasmania, the Nepalese Football Club and the Peter Murrell Walking Group.
The program reflected St John Tasmania's commitment to helping communities be better prepared to respond when an emergency occurs.
While this grant program is no longer available, St John Tasmania continues to work to improve awareness of sudden cardiac arrest and access to AEDs across Tasmania.
Be prepared for sudden cardiac arrest
When sudden cardiac arrest occurs, early CPR and access to an AED can make a critical difference.
Knowing where your nearest AED is, ensuring workplace and community AEDs are ready for use, and learning CPR are practical steps individuals and organisations can take to be better prepared.
St John Tasmania provides AEDs, first aid and CPR training, and support to help Tasmanians prepare for emergencies.
