Access to AEDs Through Funding and Community Support
Every year, more than 30,000 Australians experience sudden cardiac arrest (SCA)—a life-threatening emergency where immediate access to an automated external defibrillator (AED) can make all the difference. Equipping public spaces, workplaces, and community areas with AEDs is vital to improving survival outcomes and enhancing public safety.
At Emergency First Aid we are committed to keeping communities informed about current funding opportunities and newly released grants designed to support the installation of these life-saving devices. By connecting organisations and individuals to the right resources, we help empower safer, better-prepared environments across the country.
Several AED grants are available across Australia, including state-level programs and those offered by organizations like the Australasian Diving Safety Foundation (ADSF). The Australasian Diving Safety Foundation (ADSF) offers grants to dive clubs and operators for AEDs, while the NSW Government’s Local Sport Defibrillator Grant Program provides funding for sporting and recreational facilities in NSW. South Australia also has an AED Grants Program to assist community and sporting organizations.
Here’s a more detailed breakdown:
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Offers grants of $1,250 to dive clubs and $1,000 to dive operators to purchase AEDs.
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Donates AEDs to schools, businesses, families, and other organizations in need, as well as offering CPR/AED training and emergency action plan assistance.
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Supports NSW-based sporting and recreational facilities in acquiring AEDs, according to AED Authority.
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Provides $1,000 grants to eligible not-for-profit community and sporting organizations to meet the requirements of the Automated External Defibrillators (Public Access) Act 2022, according to Preventive Health SA.
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Eligibility:
Grant eligibility criteria vary depending on the program. For example, NSW Local Sport Defibrillator Grant Program generally requires applicants to be incorporated, not-for-profit clubs, associations, or organizations that are sport or recreation related.
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Application Process:
Application processes vary. Some programs, like the SA AED Grants Program, use online portals like SmartyGrants.
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Program Term:
Grant programs may have limited funding or specific project timelines. For example, the NSW Local Sport Defibrillator Grant Program’s 2024-25 round closed in November 2024.
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Location:
Some grants are specifically targeted to certain geographic areas or demographics. For example, the NSW Local Sport Defibrillator Grant Program focuses on facilities and clubs within the state.
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Specific Requirements:Some grants may have specific requirements, such as demonstrating the need for an AED based on the number of people using the facility or the risk of sudden cardiac arrest.