A new survey from the Heart Foundation found that most Australians would not feel confident using an automatic defibrillator if someone was in cardiac arrest.
Automatic defibrillators can be found in most public places such as schools, shopping centres and gyms, but 1 in 3 of those surveyed had never even heard of the device.
Bill Stavreski from the Heart Foundation says it’s important people feel comfortable using this device as chances of survival drop by 10 per cent for every minute in cardiac arrest.
He said "Local residents should not feel afraid to use an automatic defibrillator. You don't have to be medically trained and it's the best way to ensure people can survive. Best thing is to step in, use an automatic defib, it's a step-by-step guide and it will help save someone's life."