Jan Juc community to benefit from life-saving addition

The Jan Juc community recently received a life-saving device to help people experiencing cardiac arrest.

The 24/7 accessible Automated External Defibrillator (AED) is located at 10 Clubhouse Road, Jan Juc, on the wall of the toilet block opposite the Jan Juc Surf Life Saving Club.

The device was donated to Ambulance Victoria (AV) by a local primary school, with AV also providing the wall mounted storage cabinet.

Torquay Boardriders Club will continue to fund the replacement pads and battery on a regular basis, as they did with the previous AED when it was installed in 2018.

AEDs are used to shock the heart back into rhythm following a cardiac arrest and play a vital role in a person’s survival.

AV Belmont Advanced Life Support (ALS) Paramedic Sara Hadden said the AED was an asset to the community.

“We know that about 21 Victorians suffer a cardiac arrest every day and only one in 10 survive,” she said.

“It was very disappointing to see Jan Juc’s previous 24/7 AED vandalised as we know the impact these devices can have on a patient’s chance of survival.

“Thankfully, the community rallied together to install and register a replacement in an easily accessible high-traffic area fitted with security cameras.

“Having the 24/7 accessible device located here will mean visitors can start CPR and provide a shock from the AED in the crucial minutes before paramedics arrive.”

Ms Hadden said the most important message is that anyone can use an AED, regardless of whether they have received training.

“If you see someone in cardiac arrest, just remember to Call (call Triple Zero 000), Push (perform CPR), and Shock (use an AED),” she said.

“AEDs are safe and easy to use, you simply open it up and it will tell you what to do. The device will not deliver a shock to the person, unless it is necessary.

“The more people who know what to do when someone is in cardiac arrest, the more lives will be saved.”

All businesses, groups and individuals are encouraged to register their AEDs with Ambulance Victoria so Triple Zero (000) call-takers can direct people to them in an emergency.

Locate your nearest AED.

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