In an emergency, like a cardiac arrest, time is the determinant between life and death.
To assist in such situations, a new publicly accessible defibrillator (AED) has been installed in Benalla’s Tomorrow Today Court.
“The time between a triple zero (000) call and the paramedics arriving can be the difference between life and death,” Tomorrow Today executive officer Rosie Koop said.
“So, while we hope that machine never gets used, we know that it might mean that someone having a heart attack would survive.
“Using the AED is very straightforward so in an emergency, even an untrained person could operate it.”
The life-saving device was purchased thanks to a generous donation from the Rotary Club of Benalla.
“We’re very grateful to Rotary for funding the purchase of the device,” Ms Koop said.
“Having another defibrillator in Benalla that is accessible to everyone is a benefit to the whole community.”
The new defibrillator is located near the toilets at the rear of the Tomorrow Today Court at 66 Nunn St, Benalla.
It is available from 9am to 5pm weekdays and whenever the court is open outside those hours.
A list of other defibrillators can be found on the Ambulance Victoria website https://registermyaed.ambulance.vic.gov.au/find-an-aed