Heart starting devices coming to bowls clubs

TWELEVE new automated external defibrillators, also know as AEDs, will soon be installed at local bowling clubs.

The AED’s will be available round the clock for people to use in case of an emergency and can be used without prior training.

This new equipment is the result of a City of Greater Bendigo grant acquired by Ambulance Victoria’s acting team manager Amber Tuckerman.

Ms Tuckerman said using a defibrillator and CPR in the event of a cardiac arrest could significantly improve a patient’s outcome.

“Early defibrillation and CPR when someone suffers a cardiac arrest increases their chance of survival by more than 70 per cent,” she said.

“Originally there were only nine 24/7 accessible AEDs within Bendigo, now there are 21.

“Thanks to the positioning of the devices, everyone in Greater Bendigo will have one within two kilometres.

“A massive thank you to council for approving the funding and supporting us in increasing defibrillator access to the community.”

The location of each AED is registered with Ambulance Victoria and shared with emergency call-takers.

AEDs are light-weight and portable devices that can be used to jolt the heart back into a stable rhythm.

The devices guide users through the necessary steps and will not issue a shock unless necessary.

The new AEDs will be located at the following bowls clubs Bendigo, Bendigo East, Eaglehawk, Golden Square, Kangaroo Flat, North Bendigo, South Bendigo, Strathfieldsaye, White Hills, Woodbury, and Marong as well as at Bendigo Retirement Village.

A register of all available AED locations can be viewed at the Find and AED portal on the Victoria Ambulance website.