A defibrillator’s life-saving impact at Samford Men’s Shed

One Samford Men’s Shedder is grateful that he was with mates when he went into cardiac arrest. The decision to lend a hand to clean up after the Shed’s Christmas function at the Samford Showgrounds could have saved his life. What could have been a tragic incident turned into a testament to the importance of preparedness within our Men’s Sheds.

The Shedder was volunteering at Samford, Queensland, in early December when he went into cardiac arrest. Retired paramedic and fellow Shedder Allen was on site when it happened.

‘The Samford Area Men’s Shed has its own defibrillator, and members are taken through a regular refresher course in CPR and use of the defibrillator every three or four months. In this case, our defibrillator was housed some distance from where our Shedder collapsed”, said Allen.

“Fortunately, the fast and effective response from fellow Shedders at the collapse included the immediate application of CPR and their quick thinking in locating the Showgrounds based defibrillator made all the difference.”

“We continued to apply CPR for approximately 20 minutes until the paramedics arrived,” said Allen. “The teamwork of the Shedders working on their mate was outstanding and played no small part in what appears to now be an effective recovery for our member.”

The efforts of the Shedders were commended by the attending intensive care paramedic, emphasising the critical role they played in keeping the patient alive until professional help arrived. Following medical intervention at the cardiac ward at the hospital, the member has now been discharged to his home.

Samford Men’s Shed Chairman Phil Walters said the incident served as a wake-up call for their Shed. One he thinks is vitally important to share with other Sheds.

“All Shed members present had training in either defibrillator use or CPR – which highlights the importance of education and preparedness”, he said.

In this case, fortunately, a defibrillator was located nearby in the venue. Highlighting the importance of having a defibrillator not only in the Shed but also having one available at Shed-related off-site events. “The 5-minute drive back to the Shed to pick up a defibrillator could have made all the difference”, said Phil.

Phil went on to say, “In addition to investigating mobile defibrillators, our Shed will also review how we keep essential records, such as next of kin, up to date and readily available”.

According to research, time is critical. Of the 30,000 Australians and New Zealanders who experience out-of-hospital cardiac arrest each year, only one in 10 survive. This incident serves as a reminder. Defibrillation saves lives. Let’s continue prioritising training, preparedness, and accessibility to these life-saving devices within our Men’s Sheds.

Is your Shed Prepared?

Queensland Men’s Sheds can apply for funding to purchase an Automated External Defibrillator through the Australian Men’s Sheds National Shed Development Program. Sheds with a defibrillator can apply for funds for replacement batteries and pads not under warranty. Visit https://mensshed.org/nsdp/ for more information.