A Moriac sports club will be better prepared to manage a medical emergency on and off the court after receiving a defibrillator and training package from the Andrews Labor Government.
Labor Member for Western Victoria, Gayle Tierney today announced the Moriac Tennis Club was one of 301 successful applicants across the State to receive the package from the latest round of the government’s Defibrillators for Sporting Clubs and Facilities Program.
The program has proven extremely popular across the state, with the Labor Government providing more than 1,100 defibrillators to local clubs since 2014 – one hundred more than our initial commitment because we know they save lives.
In response the Andrews Government is giving more grassroots clubs in Western Victoria another chance to own life-saving defibrillators and receive emergency training.
In a life threatening sudden cardiac arrest – every second counts, and bystanders play a vital role. The chance of surviving a cardiac arrest decreases by 10 per cent every minute that passes without defibrillation.
Ms Tierney said sport and recreation clubs have one final opportunity to apply to the Defibrillators for Sporting Clubs and Facilities Program.
This new round will provide more opportunity for clubs like Moriac Tennis Club to get hold of defibrillators so that they are on top of their game when it comes to helping players and spectators, or even a passer-by when they need it most.
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.
In March, a recreational cyclist was successfully revived using the Otway Districts Football Netball Club’s defibrillator – delivered thanks to this live saving program.
Along with sporting clubs, community organisations delivering active recreation programs are encouraged to apply, and those clubs who already have a defibrillator are urged to register them with Ambulance Victoria.
Clubs that have a defibrillator over eight years old should also consider applying to the program to replace their ageing defibrillator with a new unit, delivering greater reliability and reduced maintenance costs.
For more information or to apply online visit www.sport.vic.gov.au.
Quotes attributable to Member for Western Victoria, Gayle Tierney MP
“I’m really pleased that Moriac Tennis Club has received this life-saving equipment and I congratulate them on their efforts to make their sport more safe and enjoyable for all.”
“Record numbers of people in Western Victoria are signing up to play the sports they love – so we want more of our clubs to have the right equipment and training in case an emergency strikes.”
“Our defibrillator rollout has been a huge success, and I urge all sports clubs in Western Victoria to apply now for this life-saving equipment.”