The South Australian Government has launched a new advertising campaign to inform the public about the newly widespread availability of automated external defibrillators (AEDs) thanks to the completed rollout of legislation.
The life-saving devices became mandatory this month in even more public buildings, facilities and vehicles across the state.
The ‘Find one in a heartbeat’ campaign aims to inform South Australians that these life-saving devices are now readily accessible, so that in a cardiac emergency, help is never far away, said SA Health Deputy Chief Executive, Strategy & Governance, Sinead O’Brien.
“Having AEDs in public places is a critical step towards saving the lives of South Australians,” said Ms O’Brien.
“This campaign works alongside the legislation to protect and empower all South Australians – the more people who know about these devices and how to respond, the safer our communities become.
“Ensuring that AEDs are visible, accessible and part of everyday awareness in SA, with devices located in popular public areas, means help is never far away.”
Ads started this week across social media, newspapers, screens, billboards, radio and buses statewide.
In South Australia, around 22 people suffer a cardiac arrest every week, with many of those happening outside a hospital setting. Timing is vital and survival often depends on how quickly a bystander can respond.
From 1 January 2026, life-saving AEDs became mandatory in certain public buildings, facilities and vehicles across the state – making them more accessible than ever in community and public locations.
All buildings and facilities designated under the Act, such as public buildings, schools, universities, libraries, sporting facilities, theatres and swimming pools now need to have at least one AED installed.
In addition, members of the public will find them in all public buses, trains and trams.
The move builds on the first round of mandates which came into effect on 1 January 2025 for all in-scope buildings and facilities owned by Government.
Owners of such places need to ensure any AED installed is clearly signed, publicly accessible (where applicable) and registered on the South Australian AED register.
These changes are required under the Automated External Defibrillators (Public Access) Act 2022 to ensure the community can have access to potentially life-saving equipment in the event of a sudden cardiac arrest.
Once an AED is installed, it must be registered to ensure the location of each device and the hours it is available can be accessed by Triple Zero (000) call takers in the event of a cardiac emergency.
When you call Triple Zero (000) in a cardiac emergency, the call taker will guide you through CPR, direct you to your nearest AED, and support you through each step until help arrives.
To support eligible sporting and community organisations, Preventive Health SA has provided more than $2 million in grant funding to help with the purchase of an AED where one is required under the Act.
More information can be found at Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs).
