Sudden Cardiac Arrest is a leading cause of death in Australia. Every year, around 25,000 people experience a Sudden Cardiac Arrest out of hospital, with a current survival rate of five percent.

If a defibrillator is used within the first two to three minutes of a Sudden Cardiac Arrest, the chance of survival increases to 70 per cent. St John Ambulance NSW advocates for defibrillators to be considered a critical item in every workplace, and encourage people to ensure their defibrillators are in working order.

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A recent survey from St John Ambulance Australia uncovered some shocking statistics, only eight per cent of Australians deemed a defibrillator the most important item to have in the workplace.

Paper and pens climbed higher on the list.

One third of Australians don't know what a Sudden Cardiac Arrest is and 78 per cent of Australians don't think people under 45 years old can experience a Sudden Cardiac Arrest.

A massive 61 per cent of Australians claim their office either doesn't have a defibrillator or they don't know where it's kept, and 58 per cent of Australians say they wouldn't feel confident using a defibrillator, with reasons being that they haven't had training in first aid, they find it too complicated to use and they worry they might hurt the person.

Sarah Lance, CEO of St John Ambulance NSW said quick bystander intervention can improve cardiac arrest survival rates.

"Defibrillators should be considered a necessity in any workplace so that in the event of an emergency staff can act quickly and with confidence.

"Defibrillators are simple and designed so that anyone can use them - even if you never have before.

"The key is for them to be accessible, checked regularly, and used when needed."

She said as part of World Day for Safety and Health at Work now is an important time to consider discussing within the workplace the importance of a working defibrillator, and to recommend first aid training for staff working there.

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