Our club is implementing a program to improve the awareness and utility of Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) within the Whitehorse council area. Use of AEDs within 10 minutes can reduce the chance of the person dying by up to a factor of 6. For a video on the use of an AED follow this link.
How Did this Begin?
This project has been developed following advocacy by the former “Yellow Wiggle”, Greg Page, who suffered a cardiac arrest on stage and whose life was saved by the quick actions of a nearby nurse and the use of an AED. He founded an organisation called “The Heart of the Nation” promoting better access to AEDs in the community. This organisation has since merged with the Heart Foundation. Leading the fight to save Australian hearts.
Ambulance Victoria (AV)
We have been in contact with AV which has been developing a few initiatives that are due to mature shortly and will complement our program. These initiatives involve the use of the GoodSam App GoodSAM In the event of an emergency call to AV following a cardiac arrest. AV will notify the nearest 3 “Responders” of the whereabouts of that arrest. AV will transfer the coordinates of AEDs that are currently on its register to both the Responder and the person who called. There are, however, quite a few of AEDs which are not currently registered; something we aim to change in our area.
What Does the Rotary Club of Nunawading AED Project Involve?
Our club will take the following steps:
• Survey businesses within the Whitehorse area to identify AEDs in the area and to encourage the registration of their AED with Ambulance Victoria.
• Increase awareness in the Whitehorse community with presentations at events such as the Whitehorse Market and the Whitehorse Spring Festival
• Engage with local organisations such as the Whitehorse Business Group
• Promote awareness within the community of what to do in the event of a suspected cardiac arrest that will include:
- Checking for DANGER
- Reviewing RESPONSE
- SEND for help (Call 000 or 911) and the AED
- Checking the AIRWAY
- Checking for BREATHING
- Commence CARDIAC COMPRESSION
- Use the DEFIBRILLATOR
We will be asking for volunteers from the club to make contact businesses in the Whitehorse area, implement the survey, promote better awareness of AEDs and cardiac resuscitation
For more information on how to respond to a cardiac arrest, watch “Shock Verdict Video”