Fundraising supports more AEDs for Aireys, Anglesea

POTENTIALLY lifesaving equipment is more readily available in Aireys Inlet and Anglesea, thanks to local fundraising efforts.

Anglesea Lions Club and Anglesea Community Bank have supported the cost of the six new automated external defibrillators (AEDs), which are all located in publicly accessible locations and available 24 hours a day.

Ambulance Victoria (AV) Anglesea branch team manager Matthew Van Der Ploeg said the additions would make a real difference to the area.

“We are so grateful for the generous donations and to the local groups who have made the AEDs a reality.

“Every day, around 20 Victorians suffer a cardiac arrest and only one in 10 survive.

“These devices mean the possibility of returning more patients to their loved ones.”

He said cardiac arrest – when a person’s heart suddenly stops beating – could happen to anyone, anywhere, anytime.

“Minutes matter and the sooner a person receives cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and defibrillation from an AED, the better their chances of survival.”

He said anyone could use an AED, regardless of whether they had been trained to do so.

“Simply open it and follow the instructions. They are safe and easy to use and will not deliver a shock unless it is necessary.”

The new AEDs are located at:

• Anglesea Community Bank/Anglesea Pizza and Pasta, 63 Great Ocean Road, Anglesea
• Go Ride A Wave/4 Kings Coffee & Food, 143B Great Ocean Road, Anglesea
• Anglesea Tennis Club, 19 Cameron Road, Anglesea
• Strapper Surf Aireys Inlet, 83 Great Ocean Road, Aireys Inlet
• Aireys Inlet Community Garden, 2 Fraser Drive, Aireys Inlet, and
• Aireys Inlet Community Hall, 6 Great Ocean Road, Aireys Inlet.

There are now 16 registered AEDs in Anglesea and four in Aireys Inlet, which can be located at registermyaed.ambulance.vic.gov.au/find-an-aed, and Mr Van Der Ploeg urged the community to register any others in the region.

“Not only will it potentially save a life, but if it is used, AV will replace the pads for free to ensure it’s ready to go again,” he said.

The Lions Club and Community Bank also donated six batteries and eight replacement pads for existing AEDs.

John Glen from the Anglesea Lions Club also volunteers his time to conduct quarterly checks of all registered AEDs in Anglesea and Aireys Inlet.

Mr Van Der Ploeg said it was now important the community learned how to perform CPR.

“Call, Push, Shock sessions are regularly organised by AV and the Anglesea Surf Life Saving Club.

“The more people that know what to do in an emergency, the more lives can be saved.

“These sessions have led to more sign-ups on the GoodSAM responder app, and we hope even more locals feel confident to do so in the future.”

GoodSAM connects Victorians in cardiac arrest with people who are nearby and willing to respond in the critical minutes before paramedics arrive.

For more information, head to ambulance.vic.gov.au/goodSAM