New home for Kyabram AED to boost life-saving capacity

December 11, 2024 | in Community News

Cardiac arrest patients in Kyabram will have greater access to life-saving care, with an automated external defibrillator (AED) now publicly accessible 24/7.

The heart-starting device had been located at Churches Tennis Club, but with the closure of the club it has now been moved to the 1st Kyabram Scout Group Hall (71 Saunders St, Kyabram).

As part of the move, the AED’s availability has been expanded and it is now accessible around the clock, with an AED storage box donated by Ambulance Victoria (AV).

Four adults and seven children smile for the camera, with an AED and AED cabinet. They are at the 1st Kyabram Scout Group Hall.

Paramedic Anita Stirling (back row, second from right) with members of the 1st Kyabram Scout Group.

AV paramedic Anita Stirling said the change will make a big difference to the community.

“AEDs are used to attempt to shock the heart back into rhythm following a cardiac arrest,” she said.

“Cardiac arrest can happen to anyone, anytime, anywhere, so it is hugely beneficial to the Kyabram community to have this AED now publicly accessible at any time – night or day.

“When a patient receives cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and a shock from an AED before paramedics arrive, their chance of survival more than doubles.

“Anyone can use an AED, you don’t need training – if someone is in cardiac arrest and an AED is available, simply open it and follow the instructions.”

Last year, a record 139 cardiac arrest patients in Victoria had a shock delivered from a public AED, up from 107 cases the previous year.

Anita encouraged community members to learn CPR and to consider signing up as GoodSAM responders to further boost Kyabram’s ability to respond to a cardiac emergency.

“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,” Anita said.

“GoodSAM responders will also be directed to the nearest 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.”

During AV’s month-long cardiac arrest awareness campaign Shocktober, 731 people across Victoria signed up as GoodSAM responders.

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