DEFIBRILLATOR GAP PROGRAM. The purpose of this program is to raise the profile of how valuable these devices are, encourage community groups to source them, and then to help kickstart their fundraising. Around 20,000 Australians have a sudden heart attack every year, and ensuring quick access to defibrillators is key to improving the survival rate. Deploying a defibrillator within 3-5 minutes of collapse means survival rates are between 50-70%. Without a defibrillator however, survival rates are very slim. CPR is still vital but the chances are increased when combined with a defibrillator. After over 25 years policing, working alongside many other first responders, I have seen how effective these devices can be when combined with first aid skills. Now, via my business, I want to raise the profile of these devices. Many of our regional clients attend towns and community events such as sporting games and they don’t always have access to a defibrillator, particularly if the local St John’s Ambulance has to leave your event to attend another incident. Units locked up in schools or shopping centres are no help after hours, so we need to fill these gaps. We also want to give back to these communities that have supported us, so we are offering to kickstart the funding required by donating towards their fundraising goal. We are excited to announce that our first defibrillator program recipient in the Wheatbelt area is Campbell Town. This location offers their property to a range of sporting groups to use, in particular motorcycle racing. There are over 100 people in attendance on a regular basis at events, run by the individual groups and has participants of all ages. The owners of the property are doing the best they can to make everything safe, and a defibrillator will add the next layer of safety. We are off to support the Great Southern next, but if your group missed out don’t stress as we’ll keep rotating the program around and will return to the Wheatbelt soon! In the meantime, I highly recommend you download the St John’s First Responder App. You may be surprised to see where other defibrillators are located! Thank you Darren Slyns Regional Safety Services
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