New defib to help Koroit respond to cardiac arrest

Koroit has taken another step towards becoming Heart Safe, with Ambulance Victoria (AV) donating a new publicly accessible automated external defibrillator (AED) to Moyne Shire Council.

The new heart-starting device will be installed at the Blackwood Centre (172 Commercial Rd, Koroit), available to be used by locals or visitors in case of a cardiac arrest.

It has been donated as part of AV 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.

AV paramedic Tara-lee Boyce 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).

“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.”

Moyne Shire Council Mayor Cr Jordan Lockett welcomed the addition of the new heart starter.

“AEDs are life-saving devices, and it’s incredibly important to have them accessible in the places where our community lives, works and gathers. Moyne Shire is very grateful to Ambulance Victoria for this generous donation, which will help keep our community safer,” he said.

Koroit 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,” Tara-lee said.

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

The new AED will boost the number of AEDs in Koroit to 12, five of them accessible 24/7.