Myrtleford welcomes publicly accessible heart starters
November 6, 2023in Community News
The Myrtleford community now has a greater chance of surviving cardiac arrests thanks to two brand new 24-hour publicly accessible automated external defibrillators (AEDs).
Located at Myrtleford Post Office and Myrtleford Real Estate and Livestock, the two easy-to-use devices can shock a heart back into rhythm following a cardiac arrest.
AV Myrtleford Graduate Paramedic Chris Walkear with the 24-hour AED
at Myrtleford Post Office.
Ambulance Victoria (AV) Myrtleford Graduate Paramedic Chris Walkear said the lifesaving devices will make a real difference to the community.
“Cardiac arrest happens when a person’s heart suddenly stops beating and it can happen to anyone, anytime, anywhere,” Mr Walkear said.
“Minutes matter and the sooner a person receives cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and defibrillation from an AED, the better their chances of survival.
“Having these devices available in public spaces saves lives.”
About 20 Victorians have a cardiac arrest every day and only one in 10 survive.
When a cardiac arrest patient receives CPR from a bystander and a shock from an AED before paramedics arrive, their chance of survival increases by more than 70 per cent.
AV Myrtleford Graduate Paramedic Chris Walkear with the 24-hour AED
at Myrtleford Real Estate and Livestock.
Mr Walkear said anyone could use an AED, regardless of whether they had received training to do so.
“If someone is in cardiac arrest and an AED is available, simply open it and follow the instructions. They are safe and easy to use and will not deliver a shock unless it is necessary.”
Mr Walkear urged the community to make sure all AEDs are registered on AV’s website, so Triple Zero (000) call-takers can direct people to them in a medical emergency.
Click here to locate registered AEDs in Myrtleford and in other communities across Victoria.