Lara Prust
Two automated external defibrillators (AED) available for public use have been installed at Wyndham Harbour and Werribee South Caravan Park.
Mayor Jennie Barrera said the installation of the lifesaving devices followed a tragic incident last year when a Werribee South resident lost their life after suffering a cardiac arrest on the Werribee South foreshore.
“This devastating loss highlighted the urgent need for accessible emergency medical equipment, and it’s been great to see the community rally together to raise approximately $6000 through donations, which funded the purchase of these vital devices,” she said.
“By installing these AEDs, we are not only honouring the memory of a community member we lost but also taking concrete steps to prevent such losses in the future. This is a testament to what we can achieve together as a community.”
The defibrillators have been provided by the deceased resident’s estate, Ambulance Victoria Paramedic Haley Maher, the Coast Guard and the Ambulance Victoria AED Gifting Program, and are in addition to 20 others put in place across Council facilities earlier this year.
Ambulance Victoria’s Jason Connell said the AED installations will be crucial in improving the community’s health and response capabilities.
“An AED is a life-saving tool that can significantly improve the survival rate of cardiac arrest victims by administering a controlled electric shock to restore the heart’s normal rhythm,” he said.
“The availability of AEDs at these locations represents a critical step towards improving response times and medical outcomes in emergencies.”
