Defibrillators save lives, which is why the Hodgman majority Liberal Government will deliver a second round of Automatic External Defibrillators (AEDs) this year for community groups, individuals and not-for-profit organisations.
Applications are now open, with a further 90 AEDs available this year through Ambulance Tasmania’s Community Defibrillator Fund.
We have delivered the Fund with $540,000 over two years to provide the most extensive publicly funded defibrillator program that has ever been delivered.
The probability of surviving a cardiac arrest declines between 7 and 10 per cent with each passing minute, so early access to a defibrillator is critical and can save someone’s life.
AEDs are very easy to use and have audio to talk the user through the procedure.
An Ambulance Tasmania AED Locator smart phone app shows community-held AED locations across Tasmania.
Available on iOS, Android and Windows Mobile platforms, the app uses a phone’s location to find the closest AED and provide directions.
AED applications will be assessed on location, accessibility, willingness to maintain, registering and preparedness to join the Early Access to Defibrillation Program.
Applications close Friday, September 13.
Visit www.ambulance.tas.gov.au/community_information/eadp for more information.