The Barwon South West region now benefits from six new automated external defibrillators (AEDs) that could help people with cardiac arrest.
The 24-hour publicly accessible life-saving machines were installed in Anglesea and Aireys Inlet thanks to the Anglesea Lions Club and Anglesea Community Bank’s fundraising efforts.
Ambulance Victoria’s Anglesea Branch team manager Matthew Van Der Ploeg said he was “grateful” for the “generous donations” of AEDs from the local groups.
“Every day, around 20 Victorians suffer a cardiac arrest and only one in 10 survive,” he said.
“Minutes matter and the sooner a person receives cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and defibrillation from an AED, the better their chances of survival.”
Mr Van Der Ploeg said the device meant the possibility of returning more patients suffering from a medical emergency where a person’s heart suddenly stops beating their loved ones.
“A defibrillator is a lightweight, battery-operated, portable device used to shock the heart back into rhythm,” he said.
“Simply open it and follow the instructions. They are safe and easy to use and will not deliver a shock unless necessary.
“Not only will it potentially save a life, but if it is used, Ambulance Victoria will replace the pads for free to ensure it’s ready to go again.”
The new AEDs in Anglesea include the Anglesea Community Bank and Anglesea Pizza and Pasta at 63 Great Ocean Road, Go Ride a Wave and Four Kings Coffee and Food at 143B Great Ocean Road, and Anglesea Tennis Club at 19 Cameron Road.
Airey Inlet received AEDs at Strapper Surf on 83 Great Ocean Road, Aireys Inlet Community Garden at 2 Fraser Drive, and Aireys Inlet Community Hall at 6 Great Ocean Road.
