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Cardiac arrest events on Australian beaches
David Reid1,2,3, Kye Bostwick1, Jasmin C Lawes1,2
1Surf Life Saving Australia, Bondi Beach, Australia.
Resuscitation Plus
|October 6, 2025
Summary
Surf Life Saving Australia members provide crucial first response for cardiac arrests. Incidents near patrols and oxygen use significantly improve survival chances.
Area of Science:
- Emergency Medicine
- Public Health
- Cardiology
Background:
- Surf Life Saving Australia (SLSA) members frequently act as first responders to cardiac arrest incidents.
- SLSA members provide aid in various settings, including beaches, workplaces, and via apps like GoodSAM®.
- Outcomes following resuscitation guideline updates are not well-documented.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze SLSA data on cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).
- To describe the epidemiology and outcomes of cardiac arrest on Australian beaches.
- To identify factors associated with survival after CPR by SLSA members.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of anonymized incident report forms from SLSA's national Incident Reporting Database.
- Inclusion of CPR events attended by SLSA members on Australian beaches between December 2000 and May 2020.
- Statistical analysis to determine incidence, etiology, and outcomes of CPR events.
Main Results:
- 158 CPR incidents involving SLSA members were recorded.
- Most patients (68%) were involved in water activities; 83% were male, with a mean age of 46.
- Return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) occurred in 22% of cases; oxygen therapy and incidents in flagged areas improved survival odds.
Conclusions:
- Cardiac arrest on Australian beaches is infrequent.
- Proximity to a lifeguard patrol location and the administration of oxygen therapy are linked to better chances of ROSC.
- SLSA's role in responding to beach cardiac arrests is vital, with specific factors influencing patient outcomes.
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