March 11th, 2026Victoria Leads The Nation In Cardiac Survival

Victoria continues to lead the nation when it comes to out-of-hospital cardiac survival rates. 

Health Minister Mary-AnneThomas has released the Victorian Ambulance Cardiac Arrest Registry Annual Report 2024/25. 

The report shows that more bystanders than ever before are stepping in to help save lives.

Paramedics responded to 7,550 out-of-hospital cardiac arrests in 2024-25, the highest number on record.

Eighty per cent of recorded cardiac arrests that happened in the community received bystander CPR before treatment by paramedics.

The report also shows 152 cases received a shock from a public AED Automatic External Defibrillator (AED) – the highest number on record.

63 per cent of those patients who received bystander defibrillation survived.

When it comes to cardiac arrest – every second counts. The report shows that when a bystander provides CPR, the likelihood of survival almost doubles.

Victoria is now ranked second in the world for out-of-hospital cardiac survival rates, up from third last year.

Cardiac arrest occurs when the heart suddenly stops pumping blood effectively. Around 20 Victorians experience this life-threatening emergency every day, yet historically, only one in ten survives.

Almost 19,000 Victorians have signed up as GoodSAM responders – Ambulance Victoria’s app that alerts nearby bystanders to help until paramedics arrive.

These milestones reflect a growing confidence and willingness among Victorians to act swiftly in an emergency.