Victorian sports clubs have another chance to apply for a new defibrillator and help save the lives of players, volunteers or spectators who suffer a cardiac arrest.
Minister for Sport John Eren joined St John Ambulance Victoria Chief Executive Officer Gordon Botwright today to announce that applications are open for the third round of the $2.7 million Defibrillators for Sporting Clubs and Facilities Program.
The Andrews Labor Government is getting on with the roll out of 1,000 life-saving defibrillators to clubs and facilities across the state.
Our defibrillator roll out has been a huge success – already delivering nearly 600 defibrillators to clubs representing more than 50 different sports.
That means there are just over 400 defibrillators and training packages still up for grabs, so there’s no time to waste.
Clubs in the booming outer suburbs where record numbers of people are joining up, including Hume, Mornington Peninsula and the Yarra Ranges, are being urged to apply.
Defibrillators at local sports clubs keep players safe and spectators protected, but they’re also a vital tool for the community.
The use of public defibrillators for cardiac arrests has soared four-fold from 2.8 per cent in 2006/07 to 11 per cent in 2015/16.
Sporting clubs who already have a defibrillator are encouraged to register them with Ambulance Victoria. For more information or to apply online visit .
Quotes attributable to Minister for Sport John Eren
“My cardiac arrest changed my life. I know only too well just how important it is to have a defibrillator nearby.”
“The great news is that more bystanders than ever are stepping in to save lives, and we want more clubs to have the right equipment and training in case an emergency strikes.”
Quotes attributable to St John Ambulance Victoria Chief Executive Officer Gordon Botwright
“Without a defibrillator close by, the survival rate for sudden cardiac arrest is somewhere between two and five per cent. When a defibrillator is used within the first few minutes the rate of survival can rise to 70 per cent.”
“We are proud to partner with the Victorian Government in equipping the local community with lifesaving equipment and skills.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020