What began as a gem of an idea several years ago at Pacific Palms Surf Life Saving Club is now on its way to becoming a reality.
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The first public access defibrillator has been installed on the northern (beachside) wall of the surf club.
Statistics show that if a defibrillator can be used within the first 10 minutes of a cardiac event, the chances of a successful resuscitation increase immensely, Pacific Palms SLSC grants officer, Pat Powell said.
"With the surf club's focus on public safety, members recognised that the length of time for an ambulance to reach Pacific Palms and the surrounding villages of Smiths Lake and Coomba Park was far too long for this to happen," Pat said.
And, so the Pacific Palms SLSC Public Access Defibrillator Project was born.
"With the surf club's focus on public safety, members recognised that the length of time for an ambulance to reach Pacific Palms and the surrounding villages of Smiths Lake and Coomba Park was far too long for this to happen.
- Pat Powell
With the aim of putting a defibrillator in each of these locations accessible to the public 24/7, as well as one on an outside wall of the surf club, fundraising began and grants were sought.
Unfortunately the grant applications were unsuccessful, Pat said.
However, Harvey Norman Bennetts Green defibrillator program, co-ordinated by former Pacific Palms resident and lifesaver, Daniel Moran which allowed the group to purchase discounted defibrillators for each of the allocated villages.
"The first of the defibrillators and cabinets has now been received and installed at the surf club, with the remainder expected within the coming weeks."
They will be installed at the Pacific Palms shops, Smiths Lake shops and Coomba Park shop.
"As part of Pacific Palms SLSC's commitment to this project, our trainers will be conducting defibrillator familiarisation and cardio pulmonary resuscitation sessions for members of the community on dates to be advised, so that everyone is comfortable using the equipment if the need arises.
"We would like to thank Harvey Norman, as well as all those people who arranged fundraisers, attended fundraisers, bought raffle tickets and gave donations to get us this far.
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"However, fundraising is ongoing to cover the cost of the equipment and any maintenance costs and a GoFundMe campaign is currently running."
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