Rockhampton commuters, visitors and staff are now safer than ever, thanks to the installation of a life-saving device, an automated external defibrillator (AED) at the Rockhampton Airport.
The defibrillator was donated as part of Project HeartStart Australia, a joint initiative of St John Ambulance Australia, Insurance Australia Group and the Department of Health and Ageing. The program is aimed at improving long-term survival rates in pre-hospital sudden cardiac arrest casualties.
St John Ambulance (Qld) CEO Errol Carey said sudden cardiac arrest can happen to anyone, anywhere, at anytime. Survival rates for such incidents remain low.
“When someone collapses due a sudden cardiac arrest, immediate action is crucial,” Mr Carey said. “Every minute defibrillation is delayed; a person loses approximately 10 per cent survival chance.”
“Defibrillation is the only real chance a casualty has of surviving a sudden cardiac arrest; having AEDs available in public places means a real difference in survival rates.”
Modern AEDs can be used by anyone, not just health professionals. They now have computer chips that instantly analyse the heart’s electrical function, making it possible for a lay person to administer a life-saving shock.
The defibrillator was presented to Cr Rose Swadling, Deputy Mayor Rockhampton Regional Council, by Mr Jai Pobar, St John Ambulance Area Coordinator who said “Awareness that the Rockhampton Airport now has access to this piece of life-saving equipment will provide patrons with a great level of confidence in knowing that the Airport can cater for emergencies.
For more information on St John Ambulance Project HeartStart Australia, please contact St John (Qld) at www.stjohnqld.com.au or call 1300 360 455.