A world first: AV researchers breaking new ground in cardiac arrest care

When someone experiences a cardiac arrest, every second counts. This Shocktober, AV is highlighting a world first clinical trial that could help shape the future of cardiac arrest care.

AV is at the forefront of cardiac arrest research, continually exploring new ways to improve emergency care and give more Victorians the best possible chance of survival.

In a landmark study, AV researchers and paramedics investigated whether a simple change to the way a defibrillator is used could help improve outcomes for people experiencing cardiac arrest.

A defibrillator delivers an electrical shock to the heart to help restore a normal rhythm. It's a vital part of treating certain types of cardiac arrest, but sometimes the heart doesn't respond to the first shock.

The world first trial, known as AUGMENT VA, explored whether applying firm pressure over the defibrillator pads during treatment could help more electricity reach the heart.

The study involved 560 cardiac arrest patients across Victoria, with paramedics comparing the new technique to the standard approach.

The results showed that applying pressure helped more electrical current reach the heart.

The findings provided important new knowledge about how defibrillation works and how treatments might be improved in the future.

The trial also demonstrated that paramedics could use the technique, commonly used in hospital settings, in the field.

Every discovery helps researchers better understand what works, what doesn't and where future improvements might be possible.

By conducting world first research in real emergency situations, AV is helping build the evidence needed to guide future cardiac arrest treatment, both here in Victoria and beyond.

Following this year’s Shocktober campaign, the research is another reminder of the importance of innovation, clinical expertise and a commitment to improving cardiac arrest survival.

It's through this ongoing research, alongside the dedication of our paramedics and the support of the Victorian community, that AV continues working towards better outcomes for people experiencing cardiac arrest.

Read the published research: A randomised controlled trial of defibrillation with manual pressure augmentation during out-of-hospital cardiac arrest.