‘Shoctober’: Where to find the closest defibrillator to treat sudden cardiac arrest

Picture this. You are enjoying a day at Dee Why beach when suddenly you see a man clutch his chest, turn ashen white, buckle at the knees and collapse on the sand.

Knowing CPR you rush to his aid, but he is unconscious.

Where is the closest defibrillator?

That scary but very real scenario can have a happy ending now Northern Beaches Council has published its online map of where it 45 defibrillators – known as AEDs or defibs – are located.

The colour-coded map shows the Council facilities and addresses where each defib is located and the 24-hour access Zapstands.

‘Shoctober’ is sudden cardiac arrest awareness month.

Over 33,000 people experience a cardiac arrest in Australia every year. Sadly, less than nine per cent survive.

Evidence has shown that defibs give a greater chance of survival from cardiac arrest in places where they are publicly available and used quickly on a patient, along with CPR.

A defib can be used by anyone, with clear step-by-step voice instructions that will guide you through the process that could save a life.

The first eight minutes after a person has a cardiac arrest are the most critical. Early access to CPR and defibrillation can increase the chance of a person’s survival substantially.

During a cardiac arrest, the heart stops. Symptoms include sudden collapse and loss of consciousness and no, or abnormal, breathing.

Zapstands are available 24 hours, are 2.3 metres in height and coloured a distinctive bright green.

In an emergency, always call Triple Zero (000).

The map of where the defibs are located and Council addresses is here.