Defibrillators installed in supermarkets

Automated external defibrillators have been recently been installed in supermarkets on the Peninsula.

This devices are designed to be usable by anyone in the sudden event of a cardiac arrest, with the device providing voice instructions about its use.

Woolworths Woy Woy and Umina group manager Mr Martin Allison said: "We are pleased to have a defibrillator installed in our store which everyone can have access to.

"You never know when a sudden cardiac arrest might strike and in the unfortunate event that it does, having the local community able to access this treatment, could help to save lives."

Mr Allision quoted Professor Jamie Vandenberg from the Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute as saying: "Sudden cardiac arrests are usually fatal if action isn't taken immediately.

"It's critical all Australians are equipped with the skills to act quickly in these circumstances; the first three to five minutes holds the key to survival.

"Access to a defibrillator can mean the difference between saving or losing a life.

"A defibrillator delivers a therapeutic dose of electrical currents to the heart, giving a person their best chance of survival.

"Unfortunately, there are often no warning signs for a cardiac arrest, and it can happen to young people as well as older people regardless of gender."

Mr Allison said Woolworths Woy Woy and Umina had both received defibrillators as part of a regional rollout of the devices across all Woolworths locations.

SOURCE:

Media release, 2 Jul 2019

Justine McGill, PPR