Gulgong Public School is now a much safer place to be when a Sudden Cardiac Arrest occurs, thanks to the Here for Hearts program run by Westfund Health Insurance and the Defibshop.
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The program offers grants to assist schools and community groups to place defibrillators into the community.
Sudden Cardiac Arrest is when a persons heart and breathing stop suddenly. When this occurs, if a defibrillator (an AED – Automated External Defibrillator) is not available, the chance of survival is very low (at less than 10 percent). However, with a defibrillator at hand, the chance of survival can be improved to well over 70%.
School principal Mr Allan Walker said “The addition of this new AED is a great asset not only for the school, but for the community. We have other schools close by and a community swimming pool too.”
Around one hundred students and their teachers were given a presentation by the Defibshop managing director Mr Carpet Hughes, showing them how the defibrillator works and when it is required. “The students were fantastic and really participated in the presentation with lots of great questions” said Mr Hughes. “CPR and defibrillation are easy lifesaving skills as was shown by the two students Indiana and Brent who gave a great demonstration!” he said.
Laura Pillans from Westfund Health encouraged community members to apply for grants to assist with placing more defibrillators into the community. The Here for Hearts program is an ongoing program and applications can be lodged on the Westfund Health Insurance website at westfund.com.au/hearts
