Defibrillator enhances safety at local sporting club

DRYSDALE Clifton Springs Pickleball Club have improved their safety measures thanks to a recent Victorian sporting grant.

Through the $1,000 grant, the Bellarine club partially funded a defibrillator and first aid kit for their outdoor courts.

The government’s Sporting Club Grants Program funds community sport and active recreation organisations across Victoria.

Club president Viv Daniels said the defib provides the club with the ability to save somebody’s life.

“It’s a prudent thing for clubs such as ours. The median age of members is in the 60s for both men and women, so our membership is comprised of the oldest member in their 70s, and everybody has got an experience of somebody having a heart attack or a problem.

“We all know that however long it takes an ambulance to get here, it will feel like forever [but] if we’re doing something and we’re able to save somebody’s life… if we had to use it once, then that will be a bonus.”

Previously, members had access to the life-saving machine at the neighbouring Clifton Spring Bowls Club, however it is locked away when nobody is on site and accessing it would cost valuable time in an emergency situation.

To further ensure members’ safety, the club has paid for members to do a first aid course so they know how to use the defib and several members have also completed the full course.

The City of Greater Geelong have also awarded the club a Healthy and Connected Community Grant which will be used to create an injury prevention program.

Through the program, members will be able to identify the signs leading up to a potential heart attack and the necessary steps to follow.