East Gippsland is set to receive a heart health boost thanks to a generous grant from Community Bank Mallacoota.
The $7,044 donation will support the purchase of a new automated external defibrillator (AED) in Cann River and battery pad replacements for 10 existing AEDs in the Mallacoota and district region.
AEDs are used to shock the heart back into rhythm following a cardiac arrest and play a vital role in a person's survival.
About 21 Victorians suffer a cardiac arrest every day and only one in 10 survive, but when a patient receives CPR and a shock from an AED before paramedics arrive, their chance of survival more than doubles.
Ambulance Victoria (AV) Regional Support Manager for Gippsland Eddie Wright said using an AED doesn't require training and encouraged community members to have a go if they find themselves near a medical emergency.
"Cardiac arrest happens when a person's heart suddenly stops beating and it can happen to anyone, anytime, anywhere," Eddie said.
"Minutes matter in a cardiac arrest and the sooner a person receives cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and defibrillation from an AED, the better their chances of survival.
"Anyone can use an AED. If someone is in cardiac arrest and an AED is available, simply open it and follow the instructions."
Anyone can save a life by using three simple steps: Call (call Triple Zero 000), Push (push hard and fast on the middle of the chest to perform CPR) and Shock (use an AED if available).
AV also encourages locals to download the GoodSAM app, which connects Victorians in cardiac arrest with members of the community who are willing to start CPR in the critical minutes before paramedics arrive.
There are currently seven publicly available AEDs in Mallacoota. To locate your nearest one, visit Ambulance Victoria's AED registry.
The Mallacoota Ambulance Auxiliary has supported Mallacoota and surrounding districts since 1954 by supporting Ambulance Community Officers and providing financial assistance for special equipment purchases.
