Sudden cardiac arrest is one of the leading causes of death in Australia, impacting about 26,000 Australians every year, often outside of hospital settings.

Restart a Heart Day is an important initiative dedicated to raising awareness about the critical role that bystander CPR and early defibrillation play in saving lives, and it hopes to improve the survival rate of out-of-hospital cardiac arrests by creating a strong community, confident in helping in emergency situations.

Celebrated globally on October 16th, this day serves as a powerful reminder that anyone can make a difference in an emergency.

Why Restart a Heart Day Matters

Cardiac arrest can happen to anyone, anywhere, at any time. In Victoria, almost 7,000 people suffer a sudden cardiac arrest each year out-of-hospital. Data from the Victorian Ambulance Cardiac Arrest Registry highlights that, unfortunately, only 5% of victims return home to loved ones. 

With immediate CPR and the use of an automated external defibrillator (AED), survival rates can increase significantly. Two simple interventions that form part of the ‘chain of survival’ could save the lives of thousands of Victorians every year: where victims receive CPR and defibrillation within 3-4 minutes; the survival rate can be increased to as high as 70%.

Restart a Heart Day emphasises the importance of quick action and community awareness. It’s not just about knowing CPR; it’s about having the confidence to act when it matters most.

This year, St John Ambulance Victoria is inviting everyone to take part in events aimed at educating the community about lifesaving techniques. On October 16th, we will be hosting free CPR training sessions, workshops, and demonstrations throughout the state. These events will provide participants with the hands-on experience needed to respond effectively in emergencies.

Our CPR Lab teaches Victorians how to perform CPR in just 10 minutes*.  CPR Lab is a mobile learning bus that helps you learn the lifesaving technique by providing real-time feedback as you practice on a manikin. You even get to compete with others to see how well you can do CPR!

*Non-accredited

To learn more about CPR Lab, please visit: St John CPR Lab

It’s Everybody’s Business: So, Make a Difference in Your Community!

By participating in Restart a Heart Day, you are not just learning a skill; you are joining a movement. We encourage schools, workplaces, and community groups to organise CPR training sessions and share knowledge about the importance of AEDs.

A staggering 60% of employees say their workplace either doesn’t have a defibrillator or they don’t know where is kept. The need for more workplaces to be equipped with a defibrillator is clear.

Research recently conducted by St John Ambulance Australia, shows that 96% of Australian adults agree about the importance of AEDs in public locations. While 82% believe AEDs are important in the home as well, only 1% have purchased one for their home. Given the high numbers of out-of-hospital sudden cardiac arrest and the critical impact an AED can have in those vital moments, St John Ambulance Victoria urges all Australians to familiarise themselves with these easy-to-use, life-saving devices and know how to locate one nearby.

Join Us

This year, to celebrate and raise awareness, we have hidden heart-shaped stress balls across three key locations, and it’s up to you to find them.

Dates: The treasure hunt will be running on October 16 and 17.

Locations: We have hidden our heart-shaped stress balls around Southbank, Bacchus Marsh and Nhill. Be on the lookout as you explore these locations! Learn more about prizes and locations here: Restart a Heart Day

16 and 17 October Southbank

• Location: 3 Queens Bridge St, Southbank
• Time: 8:00am - 6:00pm

16 October Bacchus Marsh

• Location: Village Shopping Centre (outside Aldi)
• Time: 10:00am - 4:30pm

17 October Nhill Show

• Location: Nhill Showgrounds, Victoria Street, Nhill, 3418
• Time: 1:00pm - 8:30pm

Take this opportunity to learn, practice, and spread the word about CPR and AEDs. Together, we can ensure that more lives are saved and that our communities are prepared to act in the face of cardiac emergencies.

For more information about events, training sessions, and resources, visit our website and get involved in making a lifesaving impact this Restart a Heart Day!

To enter the competition, please visit: Shocktober

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