Having quick access to a defibrillator and knowing how to use it is vital in the event of sudden cardiac arrest, when every second counts. To give our community more access to life-saving defibs, we're rolling them out to popular venues across our Shire with Stage 1 of Wingecarribee Shire Council's Rollout of defibrillators at Community Halls project.
New defibs have now been fitted to the outside of Hill Top, Moss Vale, Welby, New Berrima and East Bowral community centres, and Sutton Forest Hall.
Project Manager, John Holland, says figures show around 20,000 Aussies have a sudden heart attack every year, and that having defibs readily available and being trained to use them properly is key to improving the 10 per cent survival rate.
"This is a great win for the welfare of our whole community. Benefits of Defibs are clear, not only for increased survival rates but to contribute to a safer work environment overall," he said. "Without access to a defib, the chances or survival are remote in the case of a cardiac arrest,"
"Just before Christmas, our Council Defibrillator was used to revive a gentleman right in front of our Mittagong visitor centre when he suffered a heart attack following a car accident."
"Council's defib and training initiative enhances our safety measures at public venues, where lots of people often gather for sporting clubs and community events, boosting a culture of health and wellness within our community," said Mr Holland.
A training session with a representative from Accidental Health and Safety (the supplier of the defibs) is being held at 10 am on Wednesday 10 January, in the Gibraltar Room at the Council Civic Centre in Moss Vale. All members of the community are invited to come along, but it's particularly targeting the regular hirers of the venues now equipped with the new defibs. "At least two members of every regular hire group are especially encouraged to attend. More training sessions can be organised if required," said John Holland.
Stage 1 of the project has been completed on time, and under budget.
"The project was given the green light at the Ordinary Meeting of Council in November 2023. Community engagement was undertaken, with installation of the Defibrillators starting on Wednesday 20 December, and completed before Christmas," said Mr Holland.
Stage 2 of the project will equip Bowral Senior Citizens Centre, Renwick Community Centre, Loseby Park Hall, and Mittagong Community Centre with a defibrillator, around March this year.
The final Stage 3 sites – Mittagong Memorial Hall, Wingello Community Hall and, Yerrinbool Hall will get their defibrillators after that.
"We are striving to complete the next stages ASAP, however as many of the sites are Heritage Listed, we need to work closely with Council's Heritage Advisor and align with best practices for an approval pathway at these sites," said John Holland.
To attend the training session please contact [email protected]
