Canberra sports clubs racing to install life-saving defibrillators
Using a defibrillator within 5 minutes of cardiac arrest boosts survival odds from one in ten to 60 per cent.
StreetBeat is partnering with sporting clubs this November to install automated external defibrillators (AEDs) at venues across Canberra. Research shows survival odds jump when an AED is used within five minutes.
Outside hospital, chances go from one in ten to 60 per cent. Sporting clubs can raise $3,000 and GoodLoop Mutual will contribute an additional $500 to cover installation costs.
The initiative is backed by GoodLoop, Community Bank Canberra and St John Ambulance. One Canberra mountain bike group, the Dirt Maidens, raised the required funds in just four days.
They found the closest defibrillator was at a leisure centre near Stromlo Forest Park. But that centre was not always open.
They installed their device on International Restart a Heart Day. GoodLoop will maintain all devices, replacing pads and batteries as needed.
- 60 per cent
- Survival rate with AED within 5 minutes
- One in ten
- Survival rate without AED
- Four days
- Days to raise full cost
- $3,500
- Total cost per device
Why it mattersQuick access to a defibrillator can mean the difference between life and death. More devices in public spaces greatly improve survival chances.
AustraliaCanberra is leading a community-driven approach to heart safety; the model could spread to other Australian sporting clubs and public venues.
✓ Claims checked against the source. checked 3 h ago
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