Following points raised by constituents regarding the registration of local Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs), and the potential adoption of community cardiac arrest responder programs such as GoodSAM, which alert trained nearby responders to cardiac incidents requiring CPR or AED use prior to paramedics arriving, we contacted the Minister for Health seeking information on what is being done to strengthen AED integration within the emergency system, and whether community responder programs are being considered for inclusion in Queensland’s Triple Zero (000) network.
The minister has since provided the following response:
The Queensland Ambulance Service (QAS) recognises the vital role of early intervention in cardiac arrest, including timely access to Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) and trained responders. The QAS has several ongoing initiatives to strengthen AED integration and community response within emergency systems:
AED Registration
Individuals and organisations can register their AED/s via the QAS website (Register a defibrillator | Queensland Ambulance Service). Registered devices are integrated into the ambulance dispatch system, enabling call takers to identify nearby AEDs during suspected cardiac arrest incidents. If an AED is available, bystanders are immediately directed to the device and provided with step-by-step resuscitation instructions.
System Enhancements
The QAS is actively reviewing advanced AED database solutions to improve accessibility, functionality, and integration with emergency response systems.
Promotion and Engagement
Activities to increase AED registration and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) awareness include:
- local promotion by regional and station officers;
- collaboration with community organisations and CPR awareness programs;
- internal and external media campaigns; and
- Advocacy and fundraising through Local Ambulance Committees (LACs).
Community First Responder Program
Within rural and remote areas, the QAS operates a program where trained and credentialed volunteer responders assist paramedics. These responders may arrive before paramedics and provide early CPR and defibrillation, when required.
I am advised the QAS is currently investigating the use of community cardiac arrest responder programs, such as GoodSAM.
We appreciate the Minister’s response outlining initiatives to strengthen local AED integration within emergency systems, and while it is positive that the QAS is investigating programs such as GoodSAM, we have sought further clarification from the Minister’s office regarding timeframes for completion of this investigation.
We will continue advocating for improved AED registration, stronger integration into emergency systems, and consideration of a community responder program for Queensland and would appreciate any community feedback to help inform our advocacy.
Public Statewide AED Database
Following our advocacy since 2018, and the establishment of the QAS’s AED Register in 2021—which is currently only accessible via Queensland’s Triple Zero (000) network—we have continued to push for funding to make this information more easily accessible to the public. This includes publishing the AED register via the QAS website, a dedicated app, and an Application Programming Interface (API) to allow integration with other services, maps and apps.
This initiative has been included in our 2026–27 State Budget submissions to the Minister for Health. We are currently awaiting a response and will continue advocating in the lead-up to this year’s State Budget to see improved public accessibility to the AED database to ensure timely access in emergencies.
Further information
To register an AED with the QAS, allowing emergency call takers to direct callers to nearby devices during a suspected cardiac arrest, visit:
www.qld.gov.au/emergency/QAS/aed-registration-form
To advocate directly with the Minister for Health, email:
health@ministerial.qld.gov.au
Please copy our office via noosa@parliament.qld.gov.au and forward any responses you receive.