New AEDs to boost life-saving capacity in Cape Paterson

Cardiac arrest patients in Cape Paterson will have greater access to life-saving care, with two new automated external defibrillators (AED) now publicly accessible 24/7.

The AEDs were made possible thanks to Rotary Club of Wonthaggi, Wonthaggi Surf Life Saving Club and Ambulance Victoria.

The heart-starting devices are located at Wonthaggi Surf Life Saving Club at Cape Paterson Bay Beach, and Cape Tavern.

AEDs are used in an attempt to shock the heart back into rhythm following a cardiac arrest and can be used by anyone.

Cardiac arrest is when a person’s heart suddenly stops beating and can happen to anyone, anytime, anywhere.

Bass Coast Paramedic, Immogen Nolan said you don’t have to be a paramedic to help save a life.

“Anyone can help save a life – it’s as easy as calling Triple Zero (000), pushing hard and fast in the middle of the chest and, if available, using an AED to deliver a shock.

“Every minute matters in a cardiac arrest, and when a patient receives CPR and a shock from an AED before paramedics arrive, their chance of survival more than doubles,” Immogen said.

Every day, around 20 Victorians will suffer a cardiac arrest and sadly only 10 per cent will survive.

Immogen encouraged community members to learn CPR and to consider signing up as a GoodSAM responder to help improve patient outcomes in Bass Coast and South Gippsland.

GoodSAM is a life-saving smartphone app that connects Victorians in cardiac arrest with members of the community who are willing to start CPR in the critical minutes before paramedics arrive. GoodSAM responders will also be directed to the nearest publicly accessible AED.

You don’t have to be first-aid qualified or have a medical background to sign up – you just need to be willing and able to do hands-only CPR, be over 18 years of age and have access to a smartphone.

Ambulance Victoria will run a free Call, Push Shock session at Wonthaggi Surf Life Saving Club in Cape Paterson at 12pm on Thursday 29 January. Locals and visitors are encouraged to attend. For more information about this event, please contact gippslandregion.ocelcoordinator@ambulance.vic.gov.au

Find your nearest AED at ambulance.vic.gov.au/find-aed