Learn to save a life in Corryong
March 20, 2025in Community News
Corryong locals can learn how to save a life this month, with Ambulance Victoria (AV) first responders presenting a Call, Push, Shock training session at the Corryong Skatepark opening on Saturday.
The session will also be an opportunity for locals to learn about the GoodSAM app, following the installation of two new automated external defibrillators (AEDs) in town in recent months.
“GoodSAM is a life-saving smartphone app that connects Victorians in cardiac arrest with members of the community who are willing to start cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) in the critical minutes before AV crews arrive,” Corryong Ambulance Community Officer (ACO) Lisa Pilli said.
L-R from back: Sacred Heart Catholic School Principal Justine Goonan, Corryong ACO Lisa Pilli, Towong Shire Mayor Andrew Whitehead, and Corryong Rotary’s Matthew Spurgeon and Peter Humphrey, with Sacred Heart Catholic School Ambassadors Liv Nagey and Amelia Bird holding the new AED. (Photo: Mark Collins, Corryong Courier)
“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.
“We’re encouraging Corryong locals to make a difference in their community by signing up as a GoodSAM responder.”
Local GoodSAM responders now have boosted capacity to save lives in case of a cardiac arrest in town, with the new AEDs registered with AV.
One is located at Sacred Heart Catholic School (111-115 Hanson St, Corryong), made possible through funding from Towong Shire Bushfire Funding, Corryong Rotary and local donations.
Another AED was installed as part of Corryong’s involvement in the Heart Safe Community program and is located on the outside wall at the Corryong Caravan Park (1516 Murray Valley Hwy, Corryong).
Both heart-starting devices are publicly accessible 24/7.
“AEDs are automated devices used during a cardiac arrest to attempt to shock the patient’s heart back into normal function,” Lisa said.
“We know that when a patient receives CPR and a shock from an AED before paramedics arrive, their chance of survival more than doubles.
“These new AEDs are registered with AV, so local GoodSAM responders will be directed to them in an emergency and can pick them up on their way to the scene.”
AEDs don’t require training to use – simply open it and follow the instructions.
However, locals attending the Corryong Skatepark opening will have the opportunity to learn and practice the three simple steps anyone can follow to save a life – Call (call Triple Zero 000), Push (perform CPR by pushing hard and fast on the middle of the chest), Shock (use an AED).
AV will be at the free Towong Shire community event from 10am until 2pm on Saturday 22 March.