Minutes matter in a cardiac arrest and Kinglake is now equipped to save more lives, becoming one of 11 new Heart Safe Communities in Victoria.
The Heart Safe Community program was launched in 2019 and aims to improve survival rates for people suffering cardiac arrest by teaching locals how to perform CPR and use an Automated External Defibrillator (AED).
It is a joint initiative between Ambulance Victoria (AV) and the Heart Foundation.
AV Acting Metro Community Engagement Coordinator, Stuart Hine, said the program in Kinglake has empowered the region.
“Cardiac arrest occurs when a person’s heart suddenly stops beating and can happen to anyone, anywhere, anytime,” Mr Hine explained.
“Currently about 20 Victorians suffer a cardiac arrest each day and only one in 10 survive.”
Mr Hine said bystander CPR and use of an AED increases a patient’s chance of survival by more than 70 per cent.
“Starting chest compressions and early application of an AED is crucial to give a cardiac arrest patient the best chance of survival,” he said.
“The Heart Safe Communities initiative helps community members feel confident to take action in someone’s time of need.
“The minutes between a cardiac arrest occurring and paramedics arriving are an important time for bystanders to act.
“Anyone can save a life in three simple steps. Call, Push, Shock: Call Triple Zero (000), Push Hard, Push Fast on the middle of the chest, Shock using an AED.”
In Kinglake, 290 community members have been engaged through the Heart Safe Communities program, with increases in the number of active GoodSAM responders and registered public AEDs throughout the year.
A registered 24/7 AED is located at the Kinglake Service Centre & Library (Murrindindi Shire Council) located at 19 Whittlesea-Kinglake Rd, Kinglake.
The Heart Safe Communities program has seen statewide improvements:
• Average GoodSAM Responder availability increased by 18 people per day.
• Registered Public AEDs increased by 21 (10 of these are 24/7 accessible).
• More than 112 community education sessions held in Heart Safe Communities, with 2,458 community members engaged.
Kinglake joins Coleraine, Lismore, Longwarry, Yallourn North, Trentham, Hopetoun, Chiltern, Violet Town, Dunolly and Stanhope as the newest Heart Safe Communities in Victoria.
There are now 29 across the state.
In August, 12 new towns commenced the program: Warracknabeal, St Arnaud, Heywood, Winchelsea, Meeniyan, Metung, Monbulk, Bulla, Heathcote, Lake Boga, Tallangatta and Nathalia.
For further information on the Heart Safe Community program and how locations are selected, visit: www.ambulance.vic.gov.au/community/community-partnerships/heart safe-communities/
For more information on GoodSAM and to sign up, visit: www.ambulance.vic.gov.au/goodsam
To register an AED, visit: https://registermyaed.ambulance.vic.gov.au
