Community
29 November, 2024
A town with a lot of heart
PORT Fairy is now better equipped for summer thanks to a community-driven effort that has resulted in seven new, publicly accessible automated external defibrillators (AEDs).
The life-saving devices were funded by the Port Fairy Folk Festival and local residents.
Placed on residents’ fences and at the end of driveways, the devices are available 24 hours a day.
They have also been registered with Ambulance Victoria (AV), allowing triple zero call takers to direct people to them in an emergency.
Local AV advanced life support (ALS) paramedic Maddie Farley said the devices will make a real difference in the community.
“AEDs are used to attempt to shock the heart back into rhythm following a cardiac arrest,” Ms Farley said.
“Minutes matter in cardiac arrest and when a patient receives CPR and a shock from an AED before paramedics arrive, their chance of survival more than doubles.
“Port Fairy receives a large influx of visitors during the summer months so it’s great these devices have arrived just in time.”
Some of the new AEDs can be found at Awabi Court, Anna Catherine Drive, Bowker Court and Whales Drive.
Cardiac arrest happens when a person’s heart suddenly stops beating and it can happen to anyone, anytime, anywhere.
About 21 Victorians suffer a cardiac arrest every day and only one in 10 survive.
While it’s great to receive AED training, Ms Farley said it’s not necessary as anyone can use an AED and start CPR.
“If someone is in cardiac arrest and an AED is available, simply open it and follow the instructions,” she said.
“They are safe and easy to use and will not deliver a shock unless it is necessary.”
Ms Farley also encouraged people to sign up to the GoodSAM app, which connects Victorians in cardiac arrest with members of the community who are willing to start CPR in the critical minutes before paramedics arrive.
“Anyone who knows hands-only CPR can save a life by becoming a GoodSAM responder today,” she said.
“You don’t have to be first-aid qualified or have a medical background, you just need to be willing and able to do hands-only CPR, be over 18 years of age and have access to have a smartphone.”
Nearly 50 community members recently attended a Call, Push, Shock session at the local CFA branch to learn how to help someone in cardiac arrest.
Ms Farley said the session also encouraged local clubs and businesses with existing AEDs to get them registered and moved outside to be accessible 24/7.
The new AEDs would not have been possible without organiser Neil Povey and the Port Fairy CFA brigade captain, Hugh Worrall.
Other AEDs can be found at the Port Fairy Senior Citizens Centre, Big 4 Holiday Park, St Patrick’s Parish Primary School, Port Fairy Consolidated School, the Port Fairy Library, Port Fairy Community House and more.
