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Our Team
The HeartSmart team is a dedicated group of specialists and support staff who are passionate about providing the knowledge, confidence and tools to be well prepared in the event of a cardiac arrest.
With an approach centered on compassion, education, and innovation, our team is here to support you every step of the way. Together, we strive to make a positive impact on the lives of Australian businesses, clubs and the broader community by fostering awareness and delivering the highest standard of cardiac education services.
Louise Dawson
Louise is the founder of HeartSmart with 20 years of experience in remote area nursing.
She brings together the individual components of the HeartSmart program and tailors them to the specific needs of different industries and commercial settings. Louise is an accomplished speaker, coach and advocate for industry and is passionate about improving outcomes for SCA patients.
Brian Haskins
Brian has more than 20 years’ experience as an advanced paramedic, academic and manager in healthcare organisations in Australia, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), US and Ireland. He is currently researching the optimisation of first responders for out-of-hospital cardiac arrest in a Victorian setting.
Brian is defining the best way that businesses and communities can ready themselves and support ambulance services when a SCA incident occurs.
John L Caust
COHSProf, DipAud, Cert IV OHS/WHS
Risk Assessment and OH&S
John is defining the best practices for preparing for a SCA across a range of industries that adhere to OH&S legislation.
John is available for onsite assessments as a paid service.
Michael Eburn
Legal Advice
Michael is an Australian Lawyer, and formerly an Associate Professor at the ANU College of Law, the Australian National University, Canberra and before that an Associate Lecturer, Lecturer then Senior Lecturer at the School of Law, the University of New England, Armidale.
Michael is advising on the legal considerations of bystander intervention and the provision and use of automatic external defibrillators.
Michael is available for individual legal assessment as a paid service.
Patrick O’Sullivan
Member Services
Patrick is a leading consultant for business productivity and systems integrations. He is defining the on-line and off-line experience that HeartSmarts Members and their communities will experience.
Patrick is available to discuss both technical and non-technical requirements of any members, ensuring their needs are considered in the systems and services they receive.
Why become a HeartSmart organisation?
Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA) is a life-threatening emergency that can strike without warning, often in individuals with no prior symptoms. It requires immediate action to prevent fatal outcomes.
Sudden Cardiac Arrest Patients Cannot Help Themselves
When SCA occurs, the victim loses consciousness and is unable to respond or call for help. This means that they are entirely reliant on those around them to recognise the signs and act quickly.
The Need for Immediate, High-Quality Response
Survival from SCA largely depends on the speed and quality of the response. Quality cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and the use of an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) within the first few minutes can dramatically increase the chances of survival.
Ambulance Response Times Are Critical, But Not Always Quick Enough
In many cases, the critical window for saving a life may close before professional help arrives.
This reality underscores the importance of having a prepared and trained individuals and accessible AEDs within the community.
Communities Must Be Prepared to Respond
First responders are vital, but they cannot do it alone. They rely on informed, prepared, and responsive communities to act before they arrive.
A community that is ready to act can bridge the gap until emergency services take over.
SCA Patients Need Their Communities
Whether in a workplace, school, or public space, having people who are willing to intervene can make the difference. Building a culture of readiness and responsiveness within the community is essential for protecting lives from SCA.
