Donated AED finds home in Boneo

May 20, 2024 | in News

The Mornington Peninsula has inherited a new life-saving device this week, following the donation of a new automated external defibrillator (AED) in Boneo.

AEDs are used to attempt to shock the heart back into rhythm following a cardiac arrest – which is when a person’s heart suddenly stops beating.

The AED will be located at Hawkes Farm, 661 Boneo Rd, Boneo VIC 3939.

An automated external defibrillator device has been installed outside the entrance of a grocery store.

AED at Hawkes Farm.

The device is one of 24 total defibrillators donated to Mornington Peninsula communities by Ironman4x4 Managing Director Tom Jacob and his wife Issy in the last three years.

“These devices are lifesavers and it’s critical people across Victoria know where their nearest AED is located,” he said.

“They are community assets and the more that are available across the state, the better.”

Ambulance Victoria Paramedic Laura Finnerty said the heart-starting device will make a big difference for communities and when used, helps improve the chance of survival for those suffering cardiac arrest.

“Around 20 Victorians suffer a cardiac arrest every day and only one in 10 survive,” she said.

“Bystander intervention makes a big difference to a patient’s chance of survival.

“When a patient in receives CPR and a shock from an AED before paramedics arrive, their chance of survival more than doubles.”

Two female paramedics and two males standing outside of a grocery store where the automated external defibrillator device was installed. One female paramedics is holding the device and the two males are holding grocery items.

Hawkes Farm Director Richard Hawkes, AED donor Tom Jacob and paramedics Gracie and Laura.

AEDs are simple to operate, and everyone can feel confident using one.

“If an AED is available, simply open it and follow the verbal instructions,” Laura said.

“They are safe and easy to use and will not deliver a shock unless it is necessary.”

Hawkes Farm Director Richard Hawkes said, “we’re so pleased to have an AED at the farm for the use of our employees, visitors, and members of the local community”.

“We are really grateful to AV for implementing this and training our team, and to the generous donor that made it possible,” he said.

Find registered AEDs in the region and across Victoria

“Anyone can save a life in three simple steps: Call (call Triple Zero 000), Push (perform CPR) and Shock (use an AED),” Laura said.