Ultima welcomes first 24/7 heart starter

The Ultima community has received its first 24 hour automated external defibrillator (AED) thanks to the generosity of a local group.

The Ultima Progress Association funded the new 24/7 AED, located on the outside wall of the Ultima Café and General Store on Dillon Street.

Ambulance Victoria (AV) Paramedic Community Support Coordinator, Holly Latter, said the device was a welcome addition.

“Defibrillators are used to shock the heart back into rhythm following a cardiac arrest, which is when a person’s heart suddenly stops beating,” she said.

“When a patient in cardiac arrest receives CPR and a shock from an AED before paramedics arrive, their chance of survival more than doubles.

“The new AED is located at a community hot spot that receives a lot of foot traffic, making it easily accessible for locals and visitors.”

Ms Latter said anyone could use an AED regardless of whether they had received training.

“If someone is in cardiac arrest and an AED is available, simply open it and follow the instructions,” she said.

“They are safe and easy to use, and will not deliver a shock unless necessary.”

Ambulance Victoria recommends all AEDs are registered with AV to ensure Triple Zero (000) call-takers can direct people to them in an emergency.

Locals are also encouraged to sign up to the GoodSAM app, which is a life-saving smartphone app that connects Victorians in cardiac arrest with members of the community who are willing to start CPR in the critical minutes before paramedics arrive.

“You don’t have to be first-aid qualified or have a medical background to sign up – you just need to be willing and able to do hands-only CPR, be over 18 years of age and have access to a smartphone,” Ms Latter said.

Find a list of registered AED’s in Ultima.

Call, Push, Shock resources available in multiple languages.