General News
11 September, 2023
AED to further support Heart Safe Community
Dunolly is set to receive another life-saving Automated External Defibrillator (AED), adding to its new status as one of 29 Heart Safe Communities in Victoria. Launched in 2019, the Heart Safe Community program aims to improve survival rates for...
Dunolly is set to receive another life-saving Automated External Defibrillator (AED), adding to its new status as one of 29 Heart Safe Communities in Victoria.
Launched in 2019, the Heart Safe Community program aims to improve survival rates for people suffering cardiac arrest by teaching locals how to perform CPR and use an AED — in Dunolly, more than 120 locals engaged with the program.
In the coming months, Dunolly will receive a new AED donated by Ambulance Victoria.
“Cardiac arrest occurs when a person’s heart suddenly stops beating and can happen to anyone, anywhere, anytime,” Ambulance Victoria Loddon Mallee community engagement liaison coordinator, Ben Miller said.
“Starting chest compressions and early application of an AED is crucial to give a cardiac arrest patient the best chance of survival.
“The Heart Safe Communities initiative helps community members feel confident to take action in someone’s time of need.”
Mr Miller said bystander CPR and use of an AED increases a patient’s chance of survival by more than 70 percent.
“Currently about 20 Victorians suffer a cardiac arrest each day and only one in 10 survive,” he said.
“The minutes between a cardiac arrest occurring and paramedics arriving are an important time for bystanders to act.
“Anyone can save a life in three simple steps.
“Call, Push, Shock — Call Triple Zero (000), Push hard, Push fast on the middle of the chest, Shock using an AED.”
Dunolly currently has two registered AEDs available 24/7, at the Dunolly Primary School (8 Elgin Street) and the Dunolly Historic Precinct (83 Broadway).
For more information on the Heart Safe Community program and how locations are selected, visit www.ambulance.vic.gov.au/ community/community-partner ships/heart- safe-communities/
To register an AED, visit registermyaed.ambulance.vic.gov.au