New heart-starter provides boost to Strathfieldsaye

December 13, 2024 | in Community News

The Strathfieldsaye community is now better prepared to respond in case of a cardiac arrest, with the town’s first 24/7 publicly accessible automated external defibrillator (AED) installed.

Donated by a local community group, the heart-starting device is located at the Strathfieldsaye Fire Brigade (4 Taylors Ln, Strathfieldsaye).

A cardiac arrest is when a person’s heart suddenly stops beating and AEDs are automated devices used to attempt to shock the heart back into rhythm.

Cardiac arrest can happen to anyone, anytime, anywhere.

A paramedic and firefighter stand beside a woman in casual clothing, who holds an AED.

AV paramedic Daine Stephenson, Strathfieldsaye firefighter Darcy Turner and Strathfieldsaye & Districts Community Enterprise Director Jodie White with the new AED.

Ambulance Victoria (AV) Rural Senior Reserve Paramedic and First Responder Trainer, Daine Stephenson, said that means it is crucial community members are equipped to act.

“Every minute matters in a cardiac arrest, and when a patient receives cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and a shock from an AED before paramedics arrive, their chance of survival more than doubles,” Daine said.

“You don’t need training to use an AED – simply open it and follow the instructions.

“This new AED in Strathfieldsaye is a huge boost for the community by giving bystanders the ability to take life-saving action around the clock in case of a cardiac arrest in town.”

The AED was donated by the Strathfieldsaye & Districts Community Enterprise (SDCE), a local not-for-profit organisation dedicated to helping Strathfieldsaye and surrounding towns become strong, vibrant and healthy communities.

The donation of the new AED follows AV’s recent cardiac arrest awareness campaign, Shocktober, during which 731 people across Victoria signed up as GoodSAM responders.

Daine urged Strathfieldsaye residents to consider signing up to the app.

“GoodSAM is a life-saving smartphone app that connects Victorians in cardiac arrest with members of the community who are willing to start CPR in the critical minutes before paramedics arrive,” he said.

“GoodSAM responders will also be directed to the nearest registered publicly accessible AED.

“You don’t have to be first-aid qualified or have a medical background to sign up – you just need to be willing and able to do hands-only CPR, be over 18 years of age and have access to a smartphone.”

There are more than 12,000 active GoodSAM Responders across the state, but we always need more.

Learn more about GoodSAM and how to Call, Push, Shock.