Fundraiser aims to save lives

THE Lorne community is rallying together to raise money for new life saving equipment for local paramedics.

Community advocate and Bendigo Bank employee Kelly Turner said she was approached last month by a group of paramedics asking for help fundraising in a bid to purchase the corpuls cpr device not presently provided by Ambulance Victoria.

The request for two mechanical chest compression devices amounts to $19,000, with one anonymous community member already making a generous $1,000 donation.

Community Bank Lorne, as part of the Bendigo Bank franchise, has donated a further $500 to the initiative with a number of smaller donations emerging among residents.

Ms Turner said her love for the community had been a driving force for promoting the cause.

“We want to make sure we have the right facilities to look after our community,” she said.

“They just want to save lives and this will free them up if there is more than one injured at a time. It will hopefully save another life.”

The corplus cpr uses a mechanical arm to perform fully automatic, fatigue-free thorax compressions approved for ages eight and above.

The machines are coveted by the local paramedics for their unrestricted access to the thorax and ability to maintain compressions at a steady and ongoing pace.

Ambulance Victoria Barwon South West regional director Terry Marshall said the state government provided adequate funding to deliver high quality care across the state, but they were appreciative of extra efforts made by residents.

“Communities across Victoria often raise funds for non-essential gear and equipment beyond what is routinely supplied, to benefit local paramedics and residents,” he said.

“These must be approved by Ambulance Victoria’s Community Fundraising division, and must be deemed to be of benefit to paramedics and the communities they serve.

“While the device is not part of our standard ambulance fit out, we are very grateful to the Lorne community for supporting their ambulance service and it will certainly be put to good use.”

Ms Turner said all donations were tax deductible and may end up saving the life of a loved one in the community.

“Please come into Lorne Community Bank (Bendigo Bank) and grab a donation envelope or donate cash,” she said.

“Help the Lorne Ambulance crew to save your life.”

Donations can also be made online via Ambulance Victoria’s website by typing “Lorne Branch” in the optional space.