ONE of the most dire medical episodes someone can experience is cardiac arrest but thanks to the efforts of local paramedics an automated external defibrillator (AED) is now located outside the Wooli Express.
Cowes paramedics held a community session to not only inform locals about the AED, but showcase how to use it and how to help save a life during a cardiac emergency by performing CPR.
High praise was also given to the Rotary Club of Wonthaggi, who donated the AED and supported the initiative.
Speaking at the Wooli Tavern on Saturday, October 6, senior MICA team manager, Duncan Roney said an AED was invaluable as the earlier someone can shock the heart the better chances it has of recovering.
Paramedic Immogen Nolan also highlighted that every minute CPR is delayed, the survival rate is decreased by 10 per cent.
“So if 10 minutes goes by without CPR being initiated, you don’t have much chance of surviving,” she said.
“It’s really important we get a bystander performing CPR, particularly in areas that are quiet or very isolated.
“We rely on communities to do CPR effectively.”
She noted when performing CPR, aim for a five-centimetre depth compression, or a third of the chest, and it should be hard enough to potentially crack ribs.
“You want to be able to get a full recoil as well, when you’re pressing down, you want to come up to allow the blood to fill up again and pump it around.”
It is also important to check for a pulse or if the patient is breathing.
“We just want bystanders to get onto the chest compressions straight away and make sure you’re prioritising CPR over the AED,” she said.
“If you’re by yourself and someone has gone into cardiac arrest, we’d rather you call for help and start compressions, don’t worry about the AED, get someone else onto that.”
And much to Duncan’s surprise, Wonthaggi Rotary presented him with the prestigious Paul Harris Fellow award in recognition of his contributions to the community for the activities and programs he’s led.
Paramedics also urged locals to sign up to become a GoodSAM responder by downloading the app, where you will be alerted if someone is in cardiac arrest nearby.
For more information, visit ambulance.vic.gov.au/call-push-shock.
