The Western Australia Department of Education has mandated that all schools in the state must have at least one defibrillator (AED) installed by 30 June 2024.

This is not a requirement of WorkSafe or the WA Health Department, but a policy decision made by their CEO, in the interests of the safety of children and staff.

Meanwhile, in NSW, the Education Department has deemed that defibrillators are ‘not necessary‘ and discourages principals from installing them. They also blame the lack of SafeWork NSW and NSW Health requirements for not making LifeVac units available in NSW schools. Obviously, policy decisions can be made to protect staff and students by the Minister or the CEO; they have just chosen not to.