- Published:
- Tuesday 7 April 2026 at 7:00 am
Newcomb is now better equipped in case of a cardiac arrest, with a new 24/7 publicly accessible automated external defibrillator (AED) installed on the front wall between NQR Newcomb and The Ebony Forest (44 Watsons Rd, Newcomb).
The new heart-starting device was generously funded by the Lions Club of Leopold and has been registered with Ambulance Victoria’s (AV) AED registry so it can be easily located in a medical emergency.
AEDs are used to attempt to shock a cardiac arrest patient’s heart back into normal function.
AV Acting Barwon South West Operational Community Engagement Liaison Coordinator, Sara Hadden, said AED use significantly increases a patient’s chance of survival.
“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,” Sara said.
“Thank you to the Lions Club of Leopold for their generous community donation. This new AED means that life-saving care is available around the clock for residents and visitors in Newcomb who may experience a cardiac arrest.
“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.”
A cardiac arrest occurs when a person’s heart suddenly stops pumping blood effectively around the body. It can happen to anyone, anytime, anywhere.
“Every minute matters in a cardiac arrest and bystander intervention makes the biggest impact on the chance of survival,” Sara said.
“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).”
Morrie Pieper from the Lions Club of Leopold said he is proud that the group have been able to install the new AED.
“Giving to the community in this way is what Lions Club is all about,” Morrie said.
“If this new AED never needs to be used, that’s great, but you never know when you’re going to need one.
“I know people who are still alive thanks to an AED and sadly also people who have died, but maybe an AED could have helped save them.
“It may well be me that this AED saves one day. None of us know what tomorrow’s going to bring.”
Going forward, Morrie said the goal of the Lions Club is to install more AEDs across Newcomb and Leopold, while encouraging businesses and community groups to make existing AEDs publicly accessible.
Almost 11,000 AEDs are currently active and registered with AV’s AED registry – more than 8,000 of which are publicly accessible.
“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,” Sara said.
There are now 11 registered AEDs in Newcomb.
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