Question 1

1. Does our strata building need a defibrillator?

Accepted Answer

There is no general requirement for every strata building to have a defibrillator. However, having an AED readily accessible can significantly improve the chances of survival if someone suffers a sudden cardiac arrest (SCA).SCA affects 30,000 Australians every year (82 people a day), and 80% of these cases occur at home.Strata Communities offer a unique and highly economical solution in which a single defibrillator can be shared among multiple homes, giving residents access to lifesaving equipment where they need it most.

Question 2

2. Where should the defibrillator be located?

Accepted Answer

The AED should be located somewhere that is quick and easy to access for all residents.Usually, a foyer, garage area or communal courtyard. Where possible, on common property that is not accessible to the general public. We can help your committee determine the most suitable location.

Question 3

3. How many defibrillators do we require?

Accepted Answer

This depends heavily on the size and layout of your strata plan. Ideally, a resident should be able to retrieve the defibrillator and return to the person in need within 3 minutes.That said, one defibrillator on site is better than no defibrillator at all. It is important not to get carried away with installing multiple devices in every foyer or common area, as this can quickly result in an overwhelming quote and make the proposal harder for a committee to approve. Our approach is to find the right balance between accessibility, coverage and cost, and recommend a sensible solution that makes sense for each particular building.If cost is a concern, start with one defibrillator.

Question 4

5. Can a defibrillator hurt someone?

Accepted Answer

No, you cannot hurt someone with a Defibrillator!AEDs are designed with safety in mind. The device analyses the person's heart rhythm and will only deliver a shock when it detects a rhythm that requires defibrillation.The user does not have to diagnose the person's condition — the AED does this automatically.A healthy heart rhythm will never receive a shock.

Question 5

6. Can residents be shown how to use the defibrillator?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. Every defibrillator we install comes with an on-site demonstration The aim is not to turn residents into medical professionals; it is simply to give them the confidence to act if an emergency occurs.

Question 6

7. Why don’t we just wait for an ambulance or use the defibrillator from down the road?

Accepted Answer

Statistics show that for every minute that passes, a victim's chances of survival decrease by 10%. While publicly accessible community defibrillators are great, time is of the essence. The first step of a successful resuscitation is calling an ambulance. The second step is Immediate treatment with CPR and a defibrillator. The sooner a defibrillator is used, the better. Research has found that 45% of patients survived when first shocked by an AED before an ambulance arrived, compared with 24.4% when first shocked by a paramedic.

Question 7

8. How much do defibrillators cost?

Accepted Answer

There are many makes and models of defibrillators available, so it’s important to choose a device from a reputable manufacturer, rather than simply choosing the cheapest option.A cheaper AED can sometimes cost more in the long run due to shorter warranties, shorter product lifespans, higher ongoing costs or a less user-friendly design. When an AED is needed, ease of use and reliability matter far more than saving a few dollars upfront.As a general guide, a quality defibrillator will typically cost between $1,900 and $3,300.Our Strata Offer makes the decision even easier, providing a quality AED as a complete package including the cabinet, signage, professional installation and a resident demonstration for just $1,997.00 + gst.It’s an exceptional value package and takes the hassle out of getting your building protected.

Question 8

9. What is the lifespan of a defibrillator?

Accepted Answer

With proper maintenance, a quality defibrillator will last over 10 years and should come with around 8 years warranty.

Question 9

10. Is there liability attached to owning a defibrillator?

Accepted Answer

In Australia, defibrillators (AEDs) are considered first aid equipment, and Good Samaritan laws protect people who provide assistance during an emergency.In simple terms, if you use an AED in good faith to help someone experiencing a medical emergency, you are protected from being held personally liable for providing that assistance. You should never be afraid to step in and help, using the AED and starting CPR can be the difference between life and death.

Question 10

11. Does the cabinet need to be locked?

Accepted Answer

We generally recommend keeping the AED immediately accessible, rather than securing it behind a key or complicated access system.Ideally, the cabinet should be unlocked but positioned in a secure area of the strata plan. This allows residents to access the AED quickly in an emergency while still providing protection from tampering or unauthorised use.The best setup will depend on the location and circumstances of your building, and we're happy to discuss the most suitable option with your committee.

Question 11

12. Does the defibrillator need power?

Accepted Answer

No. Defibrillators are battery-powered and do not require a mains power connection, which makes choosing a suitable installation location much easier.

Question 12

13. What maintenance is involved?

Accepted Answer

AEDs need to be regularly monitored, maintained and have their pads and batteries replaced when required.Our 365 Defibrillator Monitoring & Maintenance Program takes care of this for you.Using rescue-ready monitoring technology, Pulse Defibs monitors your AED’s status daily, allowing us to identify and respond to potential issues as they arise. We also track pad and battery expiry dates and manage replacement when required.It’s a complete, managed approach to AED maintenance - taking the ongoing responsibility off your committee and helping ensure your defibrillator remains rescue-ready, 365 days a year.For more information: https://www.pulsedefibs.com.au/aed-monitoring

Question 13

14. What kind of approval do we need to install a defibrillator?

Accepted Answer

The approval process can vary depending on the individual strata scheme.Some schemes proceed with approval from the committee, while others choose to put the matter to a general meeting for owners to consider.To make the process easier, we have ready-made meeting notice and voting form templates specifically for the installation of a defibrillator. You can find these in the “Useful Resources” section at the bottom of this page.

Question 14

15. Do we need a bylaw?

Accepted Answer

No, a by-law is not necessarily required to install a defibrillator. However, for strata schemes that wish to formally adopt one, we provide a free by-law template that can be used as a starting point.You can find the template in the “Useful Resources” section at the bottom of this page.

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