Regional stakeholders have banded together to provide life-saving equipment to the Jan Juc community.
A new automated external defibrillator (AED), donated by a local primary school to Ambulance Victoria (AV), is now accessible to the public 24 hours a day at 10 Clubhouse Road, Jan Juc.
AV Belmont advanced life support paramedic Sara Hadden said the AED, which is mounted on the wall of the public toilet block opposite the surf life saving club, was an asset to the community.
“We know that about 21 Victorians suffer a cardiac arrest every day and only one in 10 survive,” she said.
“It was very disappointing to see Jan Juc’s previous 24/7 AED vandalised as we know the impact these devices can have on a patient’s chance of survival.
“Thankfully, the community rallied together to install and register a replacement in an easily accessible high-traffic area fitted with security cameras.
“Having the 24/7 accessible device located here will mean visitors can start CPR and provide a shock from the AED in the crucial minutes before paramedics arrive.”
Ms Hadden said the most important message is that anyone can use an AED, regardless of whether they have received training.
“If you see someone in cardiac arrest, just remember to Call (call Triple Zero 000), Push (perform CPR), and Shock (use an AED),” she said.
“AEDs are safe and easy to use, you simply open it up and it will tell you what to do. The device will not deliver a shock to the person, unless it is necessary.
“The more people who know what to do when someone is in cardiac arrest, the more lives will be saved.”
