New defib to help Briagolong respond to cardiac arrest

Briagolong has taken another step towards becoming Heart Safe, with Ambulance Victoria (AV) donating a new publicly accessible automated external defibrillator (AED) to the Quarry Reserve Camping Ground.

The new heart-starting device will be available for members of the public to use in a medical emergency. It’s accessible 24/7 and is located near the noticeboard in the middle of the camping ground located at Quarry Road, Briagolong.

It has been donated as part of AV and the Heart Foundation’s Heart Safe Communities(opens in a new window) 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.

AV Sale Paramedic Tim Handley said AEDs make a clear, life-saving difference.

“The latest Ambulance Victoria data(opens in a new window) 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,” he said.

“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. You could save a life.”

“Every minute matters in a cardiac arrest and bystander intervention has the biggest impact on the chance of survival.

“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).”

Heart Foundation Victoria General Manager Chris Enright said the program aims to increase survival outcomes in rural areas.

“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.”

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

More than ever before, people in 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,” Tim said.

Almost 11,000 AEDs are currently active and registered with AV’s AED registry so they can be easily located in a medical emergency and more than 8,000 of these are publicly accessible.

The new AED will boost the number of registered AEDs in Briagolong to six.

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