Heart of the Nation: A movement to save lives

Heart of the Nation was born from a moment of crisis. Founded in 2020 by Greg Page, the original Yellow Wiggle, it began after Greg suffered a Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA) during a performance for the Black Summer Bushfire Relief. Quick actions by crew and audience members, using CPR and an AED, saved his life. With over 26,000 cases each year and only a 5% survival rate, he knew something had to change.

Heart of the Nation was created to improve survival rates by increasing access to AEDs and empowering everyday Australians.  Most of the team have personal experience with sudden cardiac arrest, whether as survivors, relatives of those who didn’t survive, or responders to a sudden cardiac arrest emergency. Together, they are a united front to save lives.

Their Impact to Date
Since their inception, Heart of the Nation has made significant strides in empowering communities across Australia, including remote and rural areas:

• More than 8,000 AEDs registered on their national database, making them accessible in emergencies
• 1,100 registered responders, creating a network ready to act
• Over 1,500 AEDs supplied to homes, businesses, and public spaces
• 15 AEDs accessed and used in real-life emergencies
•  4,300 individuals trained nationally in CPR and AED use
• 2,500 attendees at Heart of the Nation information sessions
• 150+ info sessions delivered, equipping individuals with life-saving skills

Initiatives and Offerings
At the core of their mission is providing life-saving resources and training through several key initiatives:

• National AED Register: Building Australia’s first comprehensive register to make AEDs easier to locate during sudden cardiac arrest.
• The App: A tool to find the 10 nearest AEDs, alert registered responders, and contact emergency services with just a few taps.
•  Research: Focused on improving AED signage and developing a smartwatch app to notify responders of cardiac arrest events.
• Advocacy: Working to improve legislation around AED accessibility and standardised signage in public spaces, schools, and workplaces.

Heart of the Nation also offers AED packages with full support, nationally recognised CPR and First Aid training, and first aid kits. Their goal is to ensure every community, including rural areas, can act swiftly and confidently in a cardiac arrest emergency.

Partnerships and Collaboration
Heart of the Nation has expanded its reach into rural communities by working with Orange City Council in NSW to install AEDs in every park, ensuring no resident is more than 200m from a device. Additionally, their collaboration with The Heart Foundation has led to an inaugural CPR and AED info road trip, delivering 10 education sessions in rural locations in NSW to provide life-saving education and insights on the importance of Call, Push, Shock.

How You Can Help
Heart of the Nation loves to work with health organisations, businesses, and individuals to further their mission. Whether through sponsorships, partnerships, or simply spreading awareness, your support can help save lives. You can help turn bystanders into responders and ensure that every Australian has access to the tools and knowledge needed to "Keep the Beat Going."

If you’re interested in collaborating with Heart of the Nation or exploring sponsorship opportunities, get in touch at [email protected].