Honu Honi helping to save lives

LOCAL surf camp operators Honu Honi have invested in a compact automated external defibrillator (AED) in the hope it can help save lives on our local beaches.

The Torquay-based group will have the AED available for camp participants and the wider community to use in an emergency situation.

Honu Honi run most of their surf sessions at Point Addis and Urquharts Bluff.

Both locations are remote, with the closest defibrillator being more than 10 minutes away by car.

Honu Honi founder Becky Goschnick said beachgoers should keep an eye out for their blue flags in times of need.

“Defib access is absolutely essential in any first aid situation.

“With some of the places we operate being a fair distance away from the nearest defibrillators, it just wasn’t viable to not have one.

“It’s great to know we now have this asset in case of an emergency.”

 

Australian Red Cross data suggests 50-70 per cent of sudden cardiac arrest victims survive if defibrillation occurs within the first five minutes.

For every passing minute, there is a 10 per cent less chance of survival.

“Our portable one fits into our first aid kit and means we don’t have to go up and down stairs at places like Point Addis, subsequently saving us plenty of precious time,” Ms Goschnick said.

“It’ll cut the time we can respond considerably, helping to save lives.

“We hope it can be of great assistance to the community if needed.”