Defibrillator campaign 'resounding success'

A campaign to secure defibrillators for the Pearl Beach community has been a resounding success, according to members of the Pearl Beach Safety Advisory Group.

The campaign culminated on December 20, when Member for Robertson Ms Lucy Wicks officially unveiled the defibrillator tower at the Pearl Beach Reserve from 11am.

The Group's biggest challenge was in first raising funds to buy the defibrillators and then to educate the public in defibrillation techniques, according to Safety Group spokesperson Ms Lynne Lillico.

"Public intervention in the vital window of opportunity between someone experiencing a cardiac arrest and the arrival of paramedics is vital for a life being saved or lost," she said.

"The Pearl Beach Safety Advisory Group was formed to undertake this task and over the last 12 months has been working on these two vital links to saving a life.

"It soon became clear that a lack of knowledge abounds within the community at large, which led to many obstacles having to be overcome.

"Providing education and up to date information was key to alleviating any misconceptions on how it is possible for a member of the general public to assist in an emergency situation," she said.

"We therefore had to inform our own community through an ongoing series of training and information sessions.

"It is no use having this equipment if no one will use it; if no one will take action in a cardiac emergency," Ms Lillico said.

Ms Wicks said she was pleased to see the collective efforts of the group and relevant authorities coming together to see the defibrillator installed.

"I'd like to recognise the hard work of the Pearl Beach Progress Association with their Safety Advisory Group leading the campaign to make it happen.

"A sum of $8000 has been delivered by the Turnbull Government's Stronger Communities Program for this initiative.

"I was more than happy to assist in representing the Pearl Beach Progress Association's case to help overcome the red tape associated with the installation of the defibrillator.

"I've been working with community groups across the Central Coast to encourage the roll out of defibrillators, including a major petition with sporting clubs to see more of these potentially life-saving pieces of equipment in easily accessed locations."

Media release, 14 Dec 2016

Lynne Lillico, Pearl Beach Safety Advisory Group