Bank-funded defibrillators saving lives

THE number of life-saving public-access automated external defibrillators (AEDs) purchased and installed by Bendigo Bank’s Community Bank branches has just ticked over five hundred, the bank has announced.

The Community Bank model provides banking services to rural and smaller metropolitan regions and partners with local community enterprises who share the profits.

Founded in 1998, it has grown into a network of more than 300 branches and has returned more than $366 million to the community in the form of sponsorships and grants to local sporting clubs and interest groups since then.

Astonishingly, sudden cardiac arrest claims the lives of around 100 Australians every day, with 90 percent of victims unable to be revived without immediate assistance.

It’s no surprise then that Community Bank funded AEDs have saved the lives of men, women and children on golf courses, bowling greens, hockey clubs, walking trails – even cafes and chemists – with some of these devices deployed more than once.

“We’ve been able to supply these vital lifesaving devices to surf clubs, sporting venues, campsites, shopping centres, RSLs, CWA branches, bank branches, schools and other publicly accessible locations right across Australia – all because customers help generate funding simply by choosing to do their banking with us,” said Bendigo Bank head of community banking Justine Minne.

According to Ms Minne, the Bank’s aim going forward is to provide “further AED coverage to hundreds more communities that need them.”

If your neighborhood doesn’t have close access to a defibrillator, contact your local Bendigo Bank branch to discuss applying for one. Visit bendigobank.com.au/locate-us.