Learn lifesaving skills through a program with heart

BELLARINE residents will learn lifesaving skills as part of a new local initiative led by the Heart Foundation and Ambulance Victoria.

The Heart Safe Community program aims to teach locals how to confidently respond to a cardiac arrest by providing simple, informative and practical ways to learn the critical steps to save a life.

The Heart Foundation states that a cardiac arrest, where the heart stops, is always an emergency.

It sites figures from 2017-18, which reveal more than 6,400 Victorians suffered a cardiac arrest away from a hospital – that’s more than 17 people every day.

Yet, tragically, only 371 people survived to be discharged from hospital.

Bellarine Peninsula Heart Safe Project coordinator and nurse Samantha Robinson, urged locals and community groups to sign up and learn how quick, simple actions can save lives.

“We’re teaching participants lifesaving skills including how to recognise a cardiac arrest, calling Triple Zero (000), how to perform CPR and use a defibrillator.

“We’re also encouraging participants to share these skills with their family and friends.

“With three out of four out-of-hospital cardiac arrests occurring in Victorian homes, it’s often up to family, friends or a neighbour to take action.

“That’s why it’s vital for everyone to learn how to recognise a cardiac arrest and have the confidence to know what to do.

“We are also working with the Bellarine community to increase registration of defibrillators and bring them out from behind locked doors, so they are publicly accessible 24/7.”

Heart Foundation chief executive officer Victoria Kellie-Ann Jolly welcomed the opportunity to bring the Heart Safe Community program to the Bellarine Peninsula and encouraged locals to participate.

“When a cardiac arrest occurs, early action is critical for saving lives.

“If a bystander steps up to help, survival rates for cardiac arrests may be nearly doubled, and this is higher if a defibrillator is used.

“If we can increase access to public defibrillators and the confidence to use them, countless lives could be saved.

“By working with the local community and business leaders we can achieve this goal.”

Ms Jolly said she hoped that ultimately, every Victorian community will become “Heart Safe”.

The Heart Safe Community program will be running awareness sessions until December across several community groups and at some town events, with local residents and groups encouraged to register their interest to host a free activity within their networks.

For more information or to sign up to Bellarine Peninsula’s Heart Safe Community sessions, email Samantha Robinson on samantha.robinson@ heartfoundation.org.au.