Parkes Shire Council is pleased to announce a collaborative project with Heart of the Nation, a charitable initiative set up by Greg Page, the Original Yellow Wiggle, that will see eight publicly accessible AEDs (Automated External Defibrillators) installed across the Shire.
Sudden Cardiac Arrest is a medical event that can strike anyone, anywhere, anytime - it happens to around 27,000 Australians every year - and tragically, 90% of people do not survive. The appropriate response to treating cardiac arrest relies heavily on bystanders implementing three simple steps, which is known as the Chain of Survival - CALL, PUSH, SHOCK.
When someone is in cardiac arrest, they will not be responding to sound or touch - this is the time to CALL 000. If they are not breathing normally, or at all, it is then time to PUSH - start CPR by pushing hard and fast in the middle of their chest. The next, and possibly most crucial thing that can give the person the best chance of survival, is to provide a SHOCK delivered by an AED.
In cases where an AED is used within three minutes of someone going into cardiac arrest, the survival rate can increase to around 70%. Someone in cardiac arrest who receives a shock from an AED prior to ambulance arrival has around twice the chance of surviving their cardiac arrest than someone who has to wait for an ambulance.
Mayor of Parkes Shire Cr Ken Keith OAM said, "Given the fact that around 80% of cardiac arrests happen in the home, Council is pleased to announce this initiative that places AEDs within a much closer proximity to many more residents.
"Over the coming weeks, Council will commence the installation of the units and you will start to see these bright yellow tower stands popping up in various locations throughout the Shire. These will house the AEDs and are designed to be bright to ensure high-visibility so that people know where to find an AED when it is needed," said the Mayor.
Greg Page, founder of Heart of the Nation said, "An AED is simple to use, and requires no training, qualification or certification to try to save someone's life. However, Heart of the Nation will be organising several community CPR and AED user training sessions for our residents to take part in (either virtually, or in person when restrictions allow) so that more of us are prepared to respond in the most appropriate way, and with confidence.
"Access will also be provided to an app which will help to identify the location of the new AEDs as well as existing AEDs in Parkes that are already a part of the Heart of the Nation network. For those businesses, community groups or individuals that already have an AED, you are welcome to become a member of the Heart of the Nation network - it's free, and it will help people identify the location of your AED if it is needed nearby your premises. Visit www.heartofthenation.com.au
