Life-saving equipment for regions

Victoria’s peak farming organisation has partnered with St John Ambulance to provide Victorian agricultural communities with life-saving equipment.

Victorian Farmers Federation president Emma Germano said seven St John defibrillators were on their way for use in remote communities across the state.

The VFF, through its Making Our Farm Safer Project, asked Victorian farmers and workers to apply online to be part of the giveaway.

“We are thrilled to announce the winners at a time when life-saving technology like this has never been more important to support farming communities,” Ms Germano said.

“In some of these areas, having a defibrillator will be the difference between life and death, as medical help can be far away.

“I thank and congratulate all winners for the time taken to provide these life-saving devices for their community to use in their time of need.”

Nhill is among the seven Victorian communities to receive a defibrillator.

Ms Germano said the diverse range of recipients reflected the crucial role the life-saving machine played in regional farming communities.

“In some communities, it can take 20 to 60 minutes for access to an ambulance,” she said.

St John Ambulance Victoria chief executive Gordon Botwright said his organisation was proud to help VFF award the defibrillators to Victorian farming communities.

“As much as we hope these devices never need to be used, we are pleased seven more defibrillators are now available across Victoria,” he said.

The defibrillators will provide another critical safety measure and enable first responders to act immediately in an emergency.

“St John representatives will be providing training to the locals on the use of the defibrillator,” Mr Botwright said.

The State Government also funded the project through its Growing Victoria’s Agriculture and Smarter Safer Farms program.