Westfund Health Insurance and Defibshop focused on local schools this week when they launched the second Here for Hearts programme across regional NSW and Queensland.
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Here for Hearts is part of Westfund’s Community Programme initiative focusing on providing support for regional areas in terms of preventative health and assistance.
It’s a partnership between Westfund and the Defibshop that aims to bring greater awareness of the importance of easier access to AED (Automated External Defibrillators) in school communities, which are considered “hubs” that many people go through regularly.
Schools can position an AED at their assembly hall, gymnasium, and reception.
The Mudgee Care Centre launched the programme on Tuesday afternoon with local school patrons taking the time to gain some information and insight into the programme.
In addition to information on the workings of AEDs, there was also a refresher in what to do if someone suffers sudden cardiac arrest and CPR by local paramedic Lisa Ramien from Leading First Aid.
Launches have also taken place across regional NSW this week at Westfund care centres and kiosks in Bathurst, Lithgow, Dubbo, Orange and Wollongong.
Here for Hearts is Westfund’s community initiative focusing on assisting with the provision of AED to regional communities, with a particular emphasis on schools for 2016/17.
Westfund partners with Defibshop to deliver the programme, which will aim this year to subsidise AED purchases for schools across care centre areas across NSW and Queensland.
Defibshop’s Carpet Hughes said, “AEDs are a vital device”.
“If defibrillation is delivered within minutes of a cardiac arrest, survival rates can be increased by us much as 80 percent,” he said.
Here for Hearts will provide an opportunity for schools within the Westfund care centre area to receive a subsidised AED unit through purchase support.
This involves an online application process through Westfund’s website at www.westfund.com.au/hearts.
Schools need to say in 25 words or less why they need a defibrillator and complete their application form with a Healthy Hearts illustration.
Westfund regional manager, Sarah Willoughby, said, “Westfund is proud to be involved in its local communities and to assist to local schools to gain access to these lifesaving devices”.
