From 1 January 2026, new legislation in South Australia came into effect with
certain facilities having to have an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) on site
— this change is highly relevant to our industry.
What’s changing?
Under the new laws, “prescribed sporting facilities” must have a defibrillator that
is accessible in the event of a cardiac arrest. This includes spaces used for physical
activity and wellbeing — such as:
- Dance studios
- Pilates and yoga studios
- Fitness and movement-based facilities
Why this matters
Sudden cardiac arrest can happen to anyone — including young, fit and otherwise
healthy individuals.
In a cardiac emergency:
- Every minute without defibrillation reduces survival chances by 7–10%
- Having an AED on site can dramatically improve outcomes
- Dance environments are physically demanding, fast-paced, and often involve
children and large groups — making preparedness essential.
What are your obligations?
Your studio needs to ensure an AED is:
- Available on site
- Accessible and clearly visible (not locked away)
- Maintained (pads and battery within expiry)
- Known to staff (location and basic use)
- Registered with SA Ambulance
- Failure to comply may result in penalties of up to $20,000.
Choosing the right defibrillator
Not all AEDs are the same. When selecting one for your studio, consider:
- TGA approval (required in Australia)
- Child/paediatric capability — especially important for dance schools
- Ease of use (clear voice prompts, simple setup)
- Ongoing maintenance requirements
Simple steps to get compliant
- Purchase a compliant AED
- Install it in a central, visible location
- Add clear signage so it can be easily found
- Educate your staff (a short refresher can make all the difference)
- Register your AED with SA Ambulance
- Supporting your studio
These changes are about improving safety across our industry. With the right preparation, becoming compliant is straightforward — and more importantly, it ensures you are equipped to respond in a life-threatening emergency.
Need support?
As dance educators and studio owners, you already prioritise the wellbeing of your students. Having a defibrillator on site is simply the next step in creating a safe, prepared, and professional environment.
For further information on the legislation changes, defibrillator options and purchasing, or staff training, Ausdance SA members are welcome to connect with Caitlin from DANCEAID, who can provide you with practical support and guidance across all areas of first aid for the dance industry.
firstaid@empowerdance.com.au
8352 2006