As we step into October, St John Ambulance is excited to launch our annual Shocktober campaign, dedicated to raising awareness about the critical importance of Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) and CPR in the event of a sudden cardiac arrest.  

Every year, thousands of Australians experience cardiac arrests, and unfortunately, a very small percentage survives it because lifesaving equipment is not available. In Victoria alone, more than 7,000 people suffer a sudden cardiac arrest each year in homes, workplaces, education institutions, eateries, and shopping centres. Data from the Victorian Ambulance Cardiac Arrest Registry highlights that, sadly only 5% of victims, outside of a hospital, return home to loved ones. 

Immediate action can make the difference between life and death. This month, we are urging all Victorians to equip themselves with the knowledge and skills to respond effectively in these emergencies. 

St John Ambulance Victoria's CEO, Gordon Botwright, has called on the Victorian government to introduce legislation mandating the installation of AEDs in more publicly accessible locations, particularly in government-owned facilities. “It’s time that the Victorian Government made defibrillators mandatory at workplaces and public buildings, we can’t tolerate losing friends or family at work, due to being unable to access a lifesaving defibrillator”, he says. 

The rationale is simple: increased access to AEDs can significantly enhance survival rates during cardiac emergencies. AEDs are user-friendly devices that can guide even the untrained bystander in delivering lifesaving shocks to someone in cardiac arrest, but they must be readily available when every second counts. 

In addition to advocating for legislative change, our Shocktober campaign is focused on empowering the community through education and engagement. “Encouraging more people to learn CPR and how to use a defibrillator is an important first step in the chain of survival for someone in cardiac arrest.” says Gordon.  

We invite everyone to join us for free lifesaving CPR lessons throughout the month. These hands-on sessions are designed to build confidence and equip participants with the essential skills needed to act swiftly in emergencies. 

Learn CPR in Minutes with CPR Lab 

CPR Lab is travelling around Victoria this October teaching 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 

You can catch CPR LAB at the following events in October. 

• Elmore Fields Days – Elmore Events Centre (48 Rosaia Road, Burnewang), Tuesday 1– Thursday 3 October - 8:30am – 5pm 
• Bunnings Altona Spring Launch - (300 Crn Millers Rd and Ross Rd, Altona), Saturday 5 October - 10am – 3:30pm 
• Mambourin Fair – Barrabool Boulevard Playground (Barrabool Boulevard, Mambourin), Saturday 5 October – 12:30pm – 5pm
• Southern Cross Laneway - between Bourke Street & Little Collins Street, Melbourne CBD, Monday 7th - Tuesday 8th October - 8am-6pm both days 
• Caroline Springs CFA Open Day – Hillside Fire Station (4 Gourlay Rd, Hillside), Friday 6 October – 11am – 3pm 
• Wing Annual Parade and Expo – RAAF Base Point Cook (Point Cook Rd, Point Cook), Sunday 13 October – 11am – 3pm 
• Restart a Heart Day – Queensbridge Square (3 Queens Bridge St, Southbank), Wednesday 16 – Thursday 17 October – 9am – 6pm 
• Carolina Estate – Sinclairs Road, Deanside Saturday 19 October, 11am- 3pm 
• QEC Open Day – 53 Thomas Street, Noble Park Friday 25 October - 11am- 1:30pm 
• Warrnambool Show – Warrnambool Showgrounds, Saturday 26 October 9.30am - 11pm 

Our team will be on hand to provide valuable CPR training, and we encourage all community members to take part.  

On Restart A Heart Day, in addition to the CPR demonstrations, we are hosting a Treasure Hunt in a range of Victorian locations, where participants can explore the area and win great prizes while learning about the importance of AEDs. Prizes include a defibrillator and publicly accessible cabinet, aimed at increasing awareness and accessibility. 

Let’s make this Shocktober a month of learning and lifesaving action. Together, we can ensure that more Victorians are prepared to respond in emergencies, ultimately making our communities safer for everyone.  

Join us in this vital initiative and help spread the word about the importance of CPR and accessible defibrillators. We look forward to seeing you! 

For more information about Shocktober, please visit: Shocktober

To enter the competition, please visit: Shocktober Competition

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