By Brendan Rees
Cranbourne MP Jude Perera has called on grassroots sport and active recreation clubs in Cranbourne to apply for a lifesaving defibrillator through the Defibrillators for Sporting Clubs and Facilities Program.
The program aims to equip more clubs with an automated external defibrillator and also provide essential training so people are ready to act and save lives.
Mr Perera said there was an overwhelming demand in the first three rounds of the program, but the good news for sports clubs and community recreation organisations was that there are still more than 100 defibrillator packages to be allocated.
“In a life-threatening situation every second counts and people in Cranbourne deserve the best chance at surviving a sudden cardiac arrest.
“I urge all sport and recreation clubs in Cranbourne to consider applying for a defibrillator through this fantastic program, and if they receive one they should register with Ambulance Victoria to ensure the defibrillator is correctly installed and relevant people trained to use it,” he said.
Mr Perera said access to a defibrillator, along with people trained in first aid and CPR, was crucial to saving lives.
He said the program was a great opportunity for club members to boost their first aid skills, improve planning for medical emergencies and ensure players and spectators suffering sudden cardiac arrest get help until paramedics arrive.
The 2015/16 Victorian State Budget committed $2.7 million to provide 1000 defibrillators to Victorian sport and recreation clubs.
Minister for Sport John Eren said: “My cardiac arrest changed my life. I know only too well just how important it is to have a defibrillator nearby”.
St John Ambulance Victoria CEO Gordon Botwright said: “We believe defibs should be a standard piece of medical equipment at all sporting clubs to protect the players, volunteers and supporters. We understand that clubs struggle to raise the funds to purchase a defib which is why programs such as this are vital for the community”.
Applications are open from 10 November and will close on 22 December.
For more information or to apply for the Defibrillators for Sporting Club’s and Facilities Program, visit www.sport.vic.gov.au
