Greg Page was on stage with The Wiggles when he had a sudden cardiac arrest. The OG Yellow Wiggle was performing in the January 2020 Black Summer Bushfire Relief appeal.
When Greg suddenly collapsed on stage, his crew members and audience fans responded quickly. They used CPR and an Automated External Defibrillator. Thanks to their actions, they saved Greg’s life.
He later woke up in the hospital and learned what happened. He was grateful to be alive.
Greg was one of the lucky ones.
How Common Is Sudden Cardiac Arrest?
Sudden cardiac arrest affects over 3 million people around the world each year. More than 26,000 Australians experience a sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) every year. Only 5% survive.
This doesn’t just happen to older people. SCA is one of the top causes of death in young adults. It truly is a silent epidemic.
80% of sudden cardiac arrest events happen at home. This highlights the need for more AEDs to be available in residential areas.
Research shows that fast action saves lives. Cardiac arrests where 000 is called, CPR is administered, and an AED is used within the first 5 minutes can dramatically increase the survival rate to around 60-70%.
Greg realised how little he knew about sudden cardiac arrest. He wasn’t the only one. Many of us don’t know much about sudden cardiac arrest, let alone what to do if this happens.
“Sudden Cardiac Arrest can happen to anyone, at any time, and anywhere. There’s general lack of awareness around the seriousness of Sudden Cardiac Arrest. Many people don’t realise that anyone can help save a life by calling 000, performing CPR, and using an AED within the first 5 minutes. This sequence, known as ‘Call, Push, Shock,’ is also called the Chain of Survival.”
Heart Of The Nation seeks to improve cardiac arrest survival rates through education, access to AEDs and create a community that empowers individuals to act in an emergency.
Their Mission:
Our mission is to empower every Australian to understand that any attempt at resuscitation is better than none. By supporting communities to complete the chain of survival, we turn bystanders into responders, giving the public confidence to recognise cardiac arrest, perform CPR and locate and use an AED in their time of need.
Their Vision:
Our vision is to ensure an increased survival rate from sudden cardiac arrest by leading change through education, training and access to an Automated External Defibrillator within one minute of all locations across the country.
Heart Of The Nation partners with The Heart Foundation. They provide a range of learning programs for children, such asKids Save Lives. Heart Of The Nation is conducting research on improving signage for AEDs.
They are currently developing a smartwatch app to detect cardiac arrest when it happens at home and is otherwise unwitnessed. This is a leading reason why survival rates at home are so low because the patient isn’t found early enough to make a difference.
What Is The World Resus Rally?
The World Resus Rally is taking place on October 16. It seeks to raise awareness and educate people that anyone can help save a life, even without formal training.
We can all do our best to help someone in an emergency situation. Always remember that any attempt at resuscitation is better than none. Anyone can help to save a life.
You’ll learn the minimum needed to make a HUGE difference in someone’s survival.
What To Expect:
Recognise the signs of cardiac arrest
Learn what any untrained bystander can do if someone’s heart stops – CALL, PUSH, SHOCK
How to use an AED as well as conduct hands-only CPR
2-minute pushathon – grab your cushions, teddy bears or basketballs!
Cameos from celebrities who have volunteered to support, as well as a mini trivia session and animations
Help to inform others by sharing with family and friends, and on social media
Teaching your children about what to do in an emergency (numbers to call, how to make a call on a locked mobile phone, trusted adults nearby and basic first aid)
Did you experience this yourself or witness someone near you? What happened? Comment below if you feel comfortable, connect on social media or send us a message.
The more we can talk about sudden cardiac arrest and learn how best to respond, the more we can make a difference. We can all play a part. Let’s join Greg and help save lives. Are you with me?
Got an interesting story to tell?… an important message to get out into the world? Or are you really ‘in the know’ on certain topics? I’d love to talk further about the possibilities.
