In a testament to community preparedness, 72-year-old Lloyd Hosking is alive today thanks to swift action and lifesaving resources in Red Hill – a designated Heart Safe Community.
On Saturday 10 February 2024, while walking with friends as he does every weekend, Lloyd suffered a sudden cardiac arrest.
Recognising the signs of cardiac arrest, Lloyd’s friend Ed commenced cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) within 30 seconds.
A nearby GoodSAM responder was alerted to Lloyd’s condition, arrived to assist, and delivered life-saving shocks using a publicly available automated external defibrillator (AED).
Ryan Parry, a MICA Paramedic who responded to Lloyd’s case, said that every minute is critical with cardiac arrests.
“We will get to patients as soon as we possibly can, but with cardiac arrest cases, bystander intervention can mean the difference between a patient having a good outcome or not,” he said.
“As paramedics, if we are on our way to a cardiac arrest patient, we are relieved when bystanders have started CPR and utilised an AED prior to our arrival. For every minute that defibrillation is delayed, survival decreases by 10 per cent.
“We want to see more people learn CPR, register their AEDs and assist if needed. Anyone can have a cardiac arrest, and anyone can help save a life.”
A partnership between The Heart Foundation and Ambulance Victoria, the Heart Safe Communities program aims to improve survival rates from cardiac arrest with a concerted effort in selected towns across Victoria to teach residents how to perform CPR and use an AED, register publicly accessible AEDs, and increase the number of active GoodSAM responders.
Lloyd has since made a full recovery and Ambulance Victoria Acting Regional Director Jess McGowan said Lloyd’s case demonstrates the importance of Heart Safe Communities.
“The Heart Safe Communities program is all about teaching Victorians that anyone can save a life – simply follow the three simple steps: Call Triple Zero (000), Push hard and fast on the middle of the chest to perform CPR, and Shock using an AED,” she said
“Every minute matters in a cardiac arrest and it’s pleasing to know more people in our region feel confident to act while paramedics are on their way.”
Victoria has Australia’s best cardiac arrest survival rate and the third best anywhere in the world, largely thanks to high rates of bystander intervention.
The Heart Safe Communities program launched in 2018 and there are now 54 Heart Safe Communities across Victoria, with another 12 towns starting the program in 2025-26.
Heart Foundation Victoria General Manager Chris Enright said initiatives such as Heart Safe Communities are designed to support and encourage bystanders to take lifesaving action in an emergency.
“In a Heart Safe Community, residents who’ve taken part in the initiative are equipped with the knowledge and tools to respond to somebody experiencing a cardiac arrest. This support includes giving people the confidence to step in and perform CPR, as well as the use of a lifesaving AED to help increase someone’s chances of survival,” she said.
“The Heart Foundation is proud to work alongside AV to provide communities with access to lifesaving resources and training through the Heart Safe Communities program.”
Last year, paramedics responded to a record 7,545 cardiac arrests. Victoria has the best cardiac arrest survival rates in Australia, and third best anywhere in the world, thanks to strong bystander intervention and early access to CPR and defibrillation.
This month, Victorians are also encouraged to sign up as GoodSAM responders(opens in a new window) through a free smartphone app that connects people willing to do CPR with nearby patients in cardiac arrest before paramedics arrive. More than 17,300 Victorians are already signed up, but more are needed.
Since the incident, the walking group has purchased their own AED to take on walks.
As for Lloyd, he is back walking, playing cricket, bowls and making the most of every day.
“I count my blessings every day. I’m back walking every weekend with friends who helped save my life,” he said.