When a person suffers a cardiac arrest, every minute is crucial to ensure they have the best chance of survival.
The Tasmanian Liberal Government recognises that the availability of Automatic External Defibrillator's is critical and can save lives. That’s why our Government continues to invest significantly in the Community Automatic External Defibrillator Fund so that local communities across Tasmanian have access to the life-saving device.
In 2021, we committed $500,000 to the Community Automatic External Defibrillator Fund to fund a further 180 defibrillators for distribution statewide over two financial years, over two funding rounds.
Today, following the first round of funding, community organisation Meals on Wheels have received two of these defibrillators, which will be stationed at premises at Brighton and Huonville, with a further four to be provided and located at Longford, Penguin, Devonport, and Wynyard. These defibrillators will be accessible to the public 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
This follows the $500,000 delivered throughout 2018/19 that saw 180 defibrillators distributed throughout Tasmanian communities and organisations in areas such as Stanley, Mowbray, Flinders Island, and Bagdad.
Defibrillators are easy to use without any training and are audio-equipped to guide the user through the procedure.
The chance of survival following a cardiac arrest declines by up to 10 per cent every minute, which is why early access to a defibrillator is crucial.
Having defibrillators stationed at key sites across regional communities statewide will improve access to these potentially life-saving devices.
Under the Early Access to Defibrillation program, the many organisations and individuals that own automatic external defibrillators are strongly encouraged to register their defibrillators if they haven’t already.
If a cardiac arrest occurs, the owner of a nearby defibrillator can be alerted to bring the device to the patient and use it – potentially saving their life.
To join the Early Access to Defibrillation Program, you can register your AED online or by calling 1300 979 057 or emailing aed@ambulance.tas.gov.au.
If you have a defibrillator, this also enables us to request the use of a defibrillator in the event someone is within 10 minutes of your location.
People are also encouraged to download the AED Locator smartphone app, which uses the location of a person’s phone to determine their closest defibrillator and display directions to it.
Thank you to all organisations that have applied to the Community Automatic External Defibrillator Fund to date.
Organisations interested in this important initiative are encouraged to apply in the second round of funding when this is announced later in the year.