Don’t Forget the Defibrillator at a Car Crash – It Could Save a Life

October 08, 2025•2 min read

Don’t Forget the Defibrillator at a Car Crash

It Could Save a Life

When a serious car crash happens, people often think about calling 000, checking for injuries, and giving CPR. But one critical step is too often forgotten: sending someone to grab a defibrillator (AED).

The truth is, sudden cardiac arrest can happen at the scene of trauma. The shock of an impact, underlying medical conditions, or the stress of the event can stop the heart. An AED may be sitting just a few hundred metres away in a shopping centre, service station, school, or sports club. But unless someone is told to go get it immediately, those precious minutes slip away.

Why the Defibrillator Matters

Survival drops fast without it. Every minute without defibrillation reduces survival chances by up to 10%.
CPR alone is rarely enough. CPR keeps blood flowing, but only a defibrillator can restart a heart in most cardiac arrests.
They’re closer than you think. In many towns and suburbs, AEDs are installed in public spaces, businesses, or even roadside rest stops.

Common Mistake in First Aid Response

In the chaos of a crash scene, bystanders focus on visible injuries like bleeding or broken bones. Meanwhile, the person who is unconscious and not breathing may need defibrillation as urgently as oxygen or bleeding control.

That’s why first aid training emphasises assigning roles. One person calls 000. Another starts CPR. And another is sent for the AED. Without this teamwork, the chance to save a life may be missed.

What You Can Do

Always ask: “Does anyone know where the nearest defibrillator is?”
Send someone early. Don’t wait to see if CPR works—get the AED on its way immediately.
Learn to use it. AEDs are simple to operate. They literally talk you through the steps.

Final Word

At a car crash, every second counts. Don’t let the defibrillator be an afterthought. Make it a top priority alongside calling 000 and starting CPR. It could be the difference between life and death.

👉 For more first aid knowledge and accredited training, visitREACHAU.com.au.

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Britt Brennan

Empowerment-Focused First Aid Trainer & Employment Coach Britt Brennan is the founder of REACHAU (Regional Education and Career Help Australia) and a nationally recognised trainer in First Aid, career development, and trauma-informed education. With a Certificate IV in Training and Assessment and a Certificate IV in Mental Health, Britt delivers engaging, real-world training that leaves participants confident and capable. Her experience spans workplaces, regional communities, equestrian environments, and high-risk industries, with a focus on empowering people to act in emergencies and take control of their career growth. When she’s not teaching, Britt is developing resources that blend compliance with practical, hands-on skills, ensuring learners walk away ready for the realities they may face.

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