Michaela Meade
Australian workers ranked instant coffee as more necessary in the workplace than a defibrillator.
But a St John Ambulance study found the choice was not made out of a lack of compassion, with one third – 18 per cent – of respondents not aware of what sudden cardiac arrest is.
“Of those who do, most people [78 per cent] don’t think it happens to people under 45 years old, when the reality is that it can strike anyone, anywhere,” the study found.
Wyndham Vale’s 1st Iramoo Scout Group knows first-hand how important having a defibrillator easily accessible is and group leader David Giacomantonio wants his community to also recognise the importance.
“Understanding the incident that happened within our group, I don’t think people are aware of the repercussions of not having [a defib] around,” Mr Giacomantonio said.
“Having a [defibrillator] that is easily used by anyone is fantastic… these ones are almost automated [which is] good for reducing chances of user error.
“The ease of use of the machine should allay the fears that anyone may have of using a defib.”
The 1st Iramoo Scout Group took possession of a new G5 defibrillator from St John Ambulance recently.
Mr Giacomantonio said his Scout group is community focused, and would use the defibrillator to “train the next generation”.
“Having a defibrillator is not only good for our group but for community access as well,” he said.
“St Johns … has allowed us to add value to the community in a meaningful way.
“[Having a defibrillator is important because] it’s good to try [to resuscitate someone] rather than not try at all.
“If this saves one life, then it’s done its job.
“We feel honoured to be able to have a defib in our Scout group.”
St John Ambulance Victoria chief executive Gordon Botwright said the difference between having a defibrillator accessible and not is life and death.
“Paramedics don’t always make it in time for a sudden cardiac arrest emergency and lives are many times saved by those brave enough to use a defibrillator, often for the first time,” Mr Botwright said.
“Sadly, according to recent Victorian reports, only four per cent of bystanders apply defibrillation in an emergency and far too many Australians, who could have survived, lose their lives.”
St John Ambulance said the new defibrillators are designed to guide first-time users, and are the only ones currently available to come with clear written and audio instructions in an Australian accent.
The organisation gave away 20 G5 defibrillators to organisations across Australia to help workplace’s “invest in the life-saving device”.
