General News
27 July, 2022
Rotary displaying new heart-smart maps
MAPS highlighting the locations of every Automated External Defibrillator (AED) are on display in shopfronts throughout Terang and Noorat thanks to an initiative of the Rotary Club of Terang.
MAPS highlighting the locations of every Automated External Defibrillator (AED) are on display in shopfronts throughout Terang and Noorat thanks to an initiative of the Rotary Club of Terang.
Rotary Club members have been hard at work collecting information on the location of AEDs throughout Terang and surrounding areas, which has been collated in to an easy-to-read map featuring the locations of each AED and information on accessibility.
Rotary Club of Terang president Wayne Reicha encouraged locals to take a picture of the map on their phone so the information is on hand when needed the most.
“We’ve begun putting the maps up throughout Terang and Noorat, throughout the businesses and pubs,” he said.
“We would like to mention Star Printing, who have done the maps for free."
“It’s a great thing.”
Mr Reicha was joined by local representatives of Ambulance Victoria last week as the maps started to go up, with the first responders praising the Rotary Club for bringing the potentially life-saving concept to fruition.
Terang ambulance paramedic Melissa Primrose said having the information available could empower bystanders to help save someone’s life.
“The main importance is if there is a cardiac arrest while we’re on a job or out of town, the community can grab a defibrillator and get that initial life-saving treatment started before we arrive,” she said.
“Once we arrive, we can take over, but it is vital to begin cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and get a defibrillator."
“Don’t be afraid, have a go and know help is not far away."
“Those first few minutes can make a difference to someone’s life.”
Ambulance Victoria has worked to increase community awareness of AED locations as part of the Call, Push, Shock initiative.
In the event of a cardiac arrest bystanders are asked to call Triple Zero, begin CPR and use an AED if possible.
The life-saving skills to assist someone during cardiac arrest has been prioritised as every passing minute without CPR or defibrillation decreases the chances of survival by 10 per cent.
Ms Primrose also encouraged the community to consider joining the GoodSAM initiative.
GoodSAM is an app which sends an alert to nearby GoodSAM responders when a cardiac arrest is reported, giving patients the best chances of survival if a bystander who can perform CPR or use an AED arrives prior to Ambulance.
For more information visit ambulance.vic.gov.au/goodsam.
The Rotary Club of Terang has also printed out medical information booklets which contains relevant information and medical history on, which people can keep at home or on their person.
“If we go to an emergency, it’s great to have people’s past medical history in one little booklet, which includes information, next of kin, what medications the patient is on, past medical history and who their doctor is,” Ms Primrose said.
“It is vital information which can help us.”
The booklets can be found at Franz Family Pharmacy, Josie Black Community Centre or Terang Hospital.