City of Parramatta has doubled down on its efforts to help save lives in its community, committing to purchase an additional six Automated External Defibrillators (AED) for local community centres currently without the lifesaving equipment.
Council last night agreed to invest more than $15,000 on defibrillators for the centres, which will mean all 19 of the City's local community centres have AEDs. City of Parramatta Lord Mayor Cr Pierre Esber said providing more defibrillators in community facilities could save lives.
"Council is committed to providing our community with the best safety and technology where appropriate and I know this decision will go a long way to saving many lives," Cr Esber said.
"Statistics show that around 28,000 Australians suffer sudden cardiac arrest each year and only 10 per cent survive. Those statistics dramatically improve with the use of a defibrillator within the first five minutes of a cardiac arrest, with a more than 70 per cent survival rate.
"Any member of the public can access these life saving devices when they need them at our local community facilities now and potentially save someone's life."
AEDs are used to help those experiencing sudden cardiac arrest. The equipment is easy-to-use and analyses the heart's rhythm and, if necessary, delivers an electrical shock, or defibrillation, to help the heart re-establish an effective rhythm.
The new community centres which will receive AEDs include:
- Harry Todd Band Hall, Paramatta
- West Epping Community Centre, Epping
- Parkview Meeting Room, Epping
- Don Moore Reserve Meeting Room, North Rocks
- Dundas Park Meeting Room, Parramatta Town Hall
- George Kendall Meeting Room, Ermington
Council will purchase the new AED units from Heart of the Nation, who helped expand the current AED network across Council's community buildings in recent years.
"City of Parramatta Council has been a leading champion for the placement and ongoing maintenance of AEDs across the LGA and has been working with the team since 2016," Heart of the Nation executive manager Julie Hughes said.
"With this current purchase of 6 AEDs, this increases the number of community-based AEDs to over 50. This is an incredible investment for the citizens of Parramatta.
"Heart of the Nation is proud of its partnership with Council and will continue to grow and develop the initiatives across the Local Government Area."
Council will prioritise Harry Todd Band Hall and West Epping Community Centre for defibrillator installation due to the facilities being used for seniors programs mostly.
