South Australians will have access to more life-saving cardiac emergency equipment thanks to a new grant program helping community and sporting organisations purchase Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs).

The South Australian AED Grants Program – which opened this week – will offer $1000 grants to not-for-profit organisations to help with the cost of purchasing a defibrillator for their building or facility.

AEDs are portable electronic medical devices which monitor heart rhythms and deliver assisted electrical shock in the event of a sudden cardiac arrest.

They require no training and can be used by anyone who recognises the signs of a cardiac arrest, under the instruction of a Triple Zero operator.

When someone suffers a cardiac arrest, they may collapse, have an irregular heartbeat and stop breathing normally.

Every minute defibrillation is delayed to a person suffering a cardiac arrest, their chance of survival decreases by 10 per cent.

The AED Grants Program is to assist eligible organisations to have AEDs installed by 1 January 2026, to meet the requirements of the Automated External Defibrillators (Public Access) Act 2022, which has made defibrillators mandatory in public buildings such as schools, universities, sporting facilities and prisons.

This Australian-first legislation is an important measure to protect our community, ensuring access to crucial heart-starting equipment when it is needed most.

The State Government is investing $3 million into the program over four rounds of funding.

To be eligible, organisations must be required to comply with the Automated External Defibrillators (Public Access) Act 2022, be located in South Australia and meet certain criteria, such as being the owner of the building or facility and be a not-for-profit sporting or community club, association or organisation.

Grant recipients will be responsible for the installation and maintenance of the device.

Once installed, the location of each device will be made available to Triple Zero operators who can direct callers to the nearest AED in the event of a cardiac arrest.

Preventive Health SA Interim Chief Executive Marina Bowshall said the fact a person’s chance of surviving a cardiac arrest decreased by 10 per cent for every minute defibrillation was delayed meant AEDs could “make a huge difference”.

“I want to encourage all eligible not-for-profit organisations in South Australia to apply and help improve access to these life-saving devices in our communities,” Ms Bowshall said.

Applications for the first round of funding close on Friday 24 May, 2024, at 5pm. Click here for more information on the grant scheme.