New defib to help Bonnie Doon respond to cardiac arrest

Bonnie Doon has taken another step towards becoming Heart Safe, with a new heart-starting device being installed at the Star Glen Lodge at 211 Star of the Glen Road, Bonnie Doon.

The new 24/7 publicly accessible automated external defibrillator (AED) has been donated through Ambulance Victoria and the Heart Foundation’s Heart Safe Communities initiative, which equips communities across Victoria with the skills and resources to help save a life from cardiac arrest.

A cardiac arrest occurs when a person’s heart suddenly stops pumping blood effectively around the body and an AED can be used to attempt to shock the patient’s heart back into normal function.

Ambulance Victoria Bonnie Doon Heart Safe Communities Lead Taryn Windridge said AEDs make a clear, life-saving difference.

“The latest Ambulance Victoria data shows that when cardiac arrest patients are shocked by a public AED before paramedics arrive, an incredible 63 per cent survive. This is compared to just seven per cent when there was no bystander CPR or AED use,” she said.

“Heart Safe Communities is all about teaching Victorians that anyone can help save a life – simply follow the three steps: Call (call Triple Zero (000)), Push (push hard and fast on the middle of the chest to give CPR) and Shock (use an AED if available).

“Through our program we identified this location for an AED so life-saving care is closer for more residents and visitors in the area north of the town centre, who may experience a cardiac arrest.

“Bonnie Doon community members have been eager to learn and become a Heart Safe Community, and in recognition of their efforts we’re able to donate this new AED.

“Anyone can use an AED – you don’t need training. If someone is in cardiac arrest and an AED is available, simply open it and follow the instructions.”

Bonnie Doon is one of 12 Victorian towns currently completing the Heart Safe Communities program. Another 54 towns have previously graduated as Heart Safe Communities.

Heart Foundation Victoria General Manager Chris Enright said the program is making a real difference.

“We are proud to support Ambulance Victoria to deliver the Heart Safe Communities program. This partnership helps ensure more Victorian communities have the life-saving tools and training they need to act fast in an emergency,” she said.

In 2024-25, there were 7,550 out-of-hospital cardiac arrest patients across Victoria.

More than ever before, the community are stepping in to help in cardiac arrest emergencies, with 152 cardiac arrest patients receiving a shock from a public AED – the highest number on record.

“We encourage all Victorians to know where their nearest AED is located and for businesses, shop owners and sports clubs to ensure their AEDs are made publicly accessible and registered with up-to-date details,” Taryn said.

Almost 11,000 AEDs are currently active and registered with AV’s AED registry – more than 8,000 of which are publicly accessible.

There are now six publicly accessible AEDs in Bonnie Doon.