AMBULANCE Victoria (AV) has donated an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) and AED cabinet to Moira Shire, to give locals a greater chance of surviving cardiac arrest.
The AED is mounted outside the amenities block beside Strathmerton Lions Park playground (26 Murray Valley Highway), which is accessed via a service road where the bus stop is. The AED is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and in this prominent position, it will help to improve health outcomes in the community.
AV’s Hume operations community engagement liaison coordinator Stefan Wycisk said, this latest addition to Strathmerton would make a real difference to the community.
“A cardiac arrest is when a person’s heart suddenly stops beating and stops pumping blood effectively around the body; it can happen to anyone, anytime, anywhere,” Stefan said.
“Minutes matter and the sooner a person receives cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and defibrillation from an AED, the better their chances of survival.”
In a medical emergency, Triple Zero call-takers can direct people to the AED. Stefan said anyone could use an AED, regardless of whether they have received training.
“If someone is in cardiac arrest and an AED is available, simply open it and follow the verbal instructions. They are safe and easy to use and will not deliver a shock unless it is necessary.”
Stefan also urged residents to register with the GoodSAM (Smartphone Activated Medic) App.
“GoodSAM is a life-saving smartphone app that connects Victorians in cardiac arrest with responders and defibrillators in the critical minutes before paramedics arrive,” he said.
“You will only receive an alert if you are nearby to the person in cardiac arrest. You will be given the address of the patient, along with the location of the closest defibrillator (if one is available)”
This is the second AED AV has donated to the Moira Shire. The first is located at the Katunga General Store and Post Office, 11 Katunga North Road, Katunga.
