Fire brigade supplies defibrillators

Killcare Wagstaffe Rural Fire Brigade has installed two automated external defibrillator units in two local stores.

An AED is a portable electronic device used in the first aid treatment of cardiac arrest.

When activated, it can automatically diagnose potentially life-threatening cardiac arrythmia and, where appropriate, automatically treat that through defibrillation which allows the heart to re-establish an effective rhythm.

The AED units are fully self-contained and are designed to be operated by lay persons without medical training.

The units have clear visual and audio instructions and once activated automatically move through the process to determine whether defibrillation is necessary, and if so, do that process automatically.

The AED's were installed at the Wagstaffe Store and Killcare Cellars and General Store last month.

Killcare Wagstaffe Rural Fire Brigade captain Mr Steve Farrell expressed his appreciation to the store owners.

He said that while the store owners had installed the units, neither they nor their staff had any obligation to assist the public in operating the units.

"Also, the units are accessible during business hours of the shops and neither the proprietors nor the staff have any obligation to attend the store outside normal hours to assist in accessing the units," he said.

"Anyone using the units will do so at their own risk.

"The fire brigade will retain ownership of the units and ensure that they are regularly serviced and maintained," he said.

Killcare Wagstaffe Rural Fire Brigade plans to run familiarisation sessions to allow members to see what the units look like and how they are activated.

Media Release, 23 Jan 2012 Ian Frost, Killcare Wagstaffe Rural Fire Brigade Photo: Ian Frost