Defibs Save Lives!

It’s through the fantastic work of our local community enterprise groups that has led to the distribution of new, life-saving defibrillators throughout Bendigo and its surrounds. In a collaborative effort by the Enterprise Groups to make our community safer, there has so far been 38 defibrillator machines funded and distributed to local sporting clubs and community groups. Perhaps the best part about this program, is that whilst these defib machines are housed on premises at the sporting clubs & community organisations, they remain accessible to the general public.

An automated external defibrillator (AED) is a portable device that checks the heart rhythm and can send an electric shock to the heart in an attempt to restore a normal rhythm. These machines are essential in increasing the chance of survival should someone suffer from a sudden cardiac arrest. They’re designed in such a way that anyone can use them, with easy to follow instructions and audio prompts.

It was in November 2016 that we had the unfortunate circumstance that an AED, which had been donated by Empowering Eaglehawk, had to be put to work when a member of the Eaglehawk Badminton Club suddenly went into cardiac arrest. Whilst CPR was commenced immediately, it was thanks to the on-site defibrillator that the first aider was able to restart this man’s heart with the first shock and breathing recommenced.

Thank you to every single one of our Enterprise Members who works tirelessly to support their local community – now they can all say they’ve saved a life!