New defib to help Red Cliffs respond to cardiac arrest

Red Cliffs has taken another step towards becoming Heart Safe, with a new heart-starting device being installed at the Mildura Gymnastics Centre (18 Westcliffs Ave, Red Cliffs).

The new 24/7 publicly accessible automated external defibrillator (AED) has been donated through Ambulance Victoria (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.

Irymple paramedic Teagan Brown 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.

“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.

“This new AED in Red Cliffs means that life-saving care is closer for more residents or visitors who may experience a cardiac arrest in town.”

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

Irymple paramedic Meg McQueen said it’s an important initiative.

“Every minute matters in a cardiac arrest and bystander intervention makes the biggest impact on the chance of survival,” 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).”

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,” Meg 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 19 registered AEDs in Red Cliffs.