Apply for life-saving service

Sport and recreation clubs in Benalla could receive free life-saving defibrillators as part of a state government initiative.

Applications are open for the fourth round of the Defibrillators for Sporting Clubs and Facilities Program and State Member for Northern Victoria Jaclyn Symes is encouraging local clubs to apply.

The 2015-16 State Budget committed $2.7 million to provide 1000 defibrillators to sport and recreation clubs.

The Defibrillators for Sporting Clubs and Facilities Program aims to equip clubs with an automated external defibrillator, and also provide essential training, so people are ready to act and save lives.

Defibrillators are a vital link in the chain of survival, and along with CPR give cardiac arrest victims on and off the sporting arena a better chance at survival.

The program is a great opportunity for club members to boost their first-aid skills, improve planning for medical emergencies and ensure players and spectators suffering sudden cardiac arrest get help until paramedics arrive.

Ms Symes said there was overwhelming demand in the first three rounds of the program, but the good news for sports clubs and community recreation organisations was there were still more than 100 defibrillator packages to be allocated.

‘‘The response in Northern Victoria has been fantastic to this Andrews Labor Government initiative and I am certainly encouraging clubs that haven’t applied to do so,’’ Ms Symes said.

‘‘Access to a defibrillator, along with people trained in first aid and CPR, is crucial to saving lives.

‘‘In a life-threatening situation every second counts and people in Northern Victoria deserve the best chance at surviving a sudden cardiac arrest.

‘‘I urge all country sport and recreation clubs to consider applying for a defibrillator through this fantastic program, and if they receive one they should register with Ambulance Victoria to ensure the defibrillator is correctly installed and relevant people are trained to use it.’’

Applications close on December 22.

For more information or to apply for the Defibrillators for Sporting Clubs and Facilities Program, visit www.sport.vic.gov.au

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