The Balmoral Bush Nursing Centre has been gifted a life-saving device to help anyone experiencing cardiac arrest.
Recently, Ambulance Victoria (AV) gifted an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) to the centre, with the device now located at the Rocklands Reservoir public toilet block, near the boat ramp, 24/7.
AEDs are used to shock the heart back into rhythm following a cardiac arrest and play a vital role in a person's survival.
AV Southern Grampians Paramedic Community Support Coordinator Jim Falla said the AED was an asset to the community.
"We know that about 21 Victorians suffer a cardiac arrest every day and only one in 10 survive," he said.
"The Rocklands Reservoir is a very popular and remote boating, fishing and camping location that sees a lot of foot traffic.
"Having the 24/7 accessible device located here will mean visitors can start CPR and provide a shock from the AED in the crucial minutes before paramedics arrive, which we know more than doubles the patient's chance of survival."
Mr Falla said the most important message is that anyone can use an AED, regardless of whether they have received training.
"If you see someone in cardiac arrest, just remember to Call (call Triple Zero 000), Push (perform CPR), and Shock (use an AED)," he said.
"AEDs are safe and easy to use, you simply open it up and it will tell you what to do. The device will not deliver a shock to the person, unless it is necessary.
"The more people who know what to do when someone is in cardiac arrest, the more lives will be saved."
This AED was funded through a donation from the Edwards Foundation, long-term supporters of Ambulance Victoria. The Edwards Foundation chose to direct their vital donation to helping AV improve AED access in rural, regional and socially isolated communities in Victoria.
There are five AEDs registered with Ambulance Victoria in the Balmoral area. To locate your nearest one, visit Ambulance Victoria's AED registry.
