Pledge for life-saving equipment

AGFORCE and St John Ambulance Queensland have teamed up for a major new initiative designed to save farmers’ lives.

The two organisations used CRT FarmFest to launch their new partnership, with the hope of encouraging all producers across the Darling Downs and Queensland to have life-saving defibrillators on their farms.

AgForce general president Grant Maudsley said the distance many farmers faced meant emergency first-aid, such as a defibrillator, could be difference between life and death.

“While farming is an extremely rewarding profession, it also has risks and dangers, so it’s incumbent on all of us to do what we can to ensure our workplace health and safety is of the highest standard possible,” he said.

“While you can always replace your farm machinery, your family members are irreplaceable.”

St John Ambulance CEO Alex Hutton encouraged all Queensland farmers to be equipped with defibrillators and everyone on the farm trained in their operation, with St John offering a one-off special on two of their top lifesaving defibrillators.

“We understand there is a cost implication to farmers and landholders in purchasing a defibrillator and training everyone,” he said.

“St John (Qld) will provide a free alarmed cabinet, carry case, responder kit, signage visibility kit and CPR training with every defibrillator purchased by AgForce members.

“Having a lifesaving defibrillator on the farm provides immediate peace of mind that our farmers.”

To learn more about the total first aid solutions and services, visit www.stjohnqld.com.au.