Could You Use a Defib If Someone Dropped Right Now?
It only takes minutes. A cardiac arrest in a high-risk workplace doesn’t wait for paramedics. And yet, most workplaces aren’t ready. This article covers why AED/defibrillator training isn’t just a nice-to-have — it’s essential, especially in Australia’s high-risk industries. We’ll show you what the law says, what other businesses get wrong, and how to fix it fast.
⚖️ Key Regulations You Should Know
According to Safe Work Australia, businesses must provide appropriate first aid equipment and facilities — and ensure workers are trained to use them. In NSW, SafeWork NSW highlights that high-risk workplaces (like construction, manufacturing, agriculture) must go beyond the basics. If your worksite has a defib — but no one trained to use it — it’s non-compliant.
Real data? Out-of-hospital cardiac arrest survival drops by 7–10% every minute without defibrillation. That’s not a guess. That’s from NSW Health.
🔎 What We See on the Ground (From Assurance Training & Sales)
At Assurance, we’ve trained thousands across Dubbo and regional NSW. Here's what we see over and over again:
- Defibs mounted on walls, untouched — because no one knows how to use them.
- Teams trained 5 years ago, with no refreshers since.
- Assumptions that “the first aider will handle it” — but no plan if that person’s not around.
One client had a cardiac event in their depot. The AED saved a life — because two staff had just completed a refresher with us two weeks earlier. That’s the difference.
🔧 What You Can Do Now (Without Overthinking It)
We recommend starting with this:
- Download our free First Aid Kit Checklist and make sure your kit’s not missing anything.
- Grab a free compliant First Aid Sign — simple, visual and 100% free.
- Make sure your workplace has a functional AED with clear instructions.
- Book CPR & Defib training for your team. We can run it onsite, in plain English, with practical skills.
🔍 Related Pages You’ll Find Useful
- Workplace-Compliant Kits
- Free First Aid Kit Checklist PDF
- Free First Aid & AED Signage
- CPR Courses for Businesses
🥊 Ready to Make Sure You’re Compliant?
Don’t wait for a workplace accident to realise your team’s unprepared. Join our newsletter for updates, resources, and free compliance tools. Or chat with me directly using the live chat on this site — I’m here to help.
Written by Samantha, Director of Assurance First Aid Kits, EMT, Trainer & Assessor.
With over 20 years in first aid compliance training across Dubbo and regional NSW, Samantha helps businesses stay safe and compliant.
