Gordon Reid (Robertson, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I would like to commend the Tarragal Glen Residents Committee on its work procuring and installing several automatic external defibrillators, or AEDs, on site to assist residents to respond quickly to emergency situations. An AED is a portable medical device that can save the life of someone in cardiac arrest by delivering an electric shock to the heart. Anyone can use an AED, because it analyses the heart's rhythm—

A division having been called in the House of Representatives—

Sitting suspended from 10:24 to 10:46

I would like to commend the Tarragal Glen Residents Committee on its work to procure and install several automated external defibrillators, or AEDs, onsite to assist residents to respond quickly in emergency situations. The Tarragal Glen Residents Committee chairman, Mr Peter Speers, along with committee member Mr Jim Skene have been pivotal in supporting and bringing this project to fruition. Both individuals are responsible for devising and implementing this project through the committee.

To obtain the AEDs Peter and Jim completed an application of funding support through the Australian government's Stronger Communities Program. The project was successful in receiving $16,200 to purchase six defibrillators, which have now been installed in weatherproof cabinets that are strategically placed around the Tarragal Glen village. In addition to this, one of the six defibrillators has been placed in the village bus to ensure coverage and access during journeys outside the village, in the community.

I'm also pleased to note that Mr Speers has organised training via e-modules for the 500 village residents on how to appropriately use the AEDs during emergencies and has partnered with retired GP Dr John Anderson to facilitate further face-to-face training exercises on familiarisation with the AEDs. As an emergency doctor at Wyong, I can attest to the benefits of AEDs strategically located throughout our community. AEDs increase the likelihood of survival by up to 70 per cent if applied within the first minutes of cardiac arrest. The devices are designed for the general public, providing step-by-step instructions. They provide immediate life-saving assistance before the paramedics arrive.

AEDs are outstanding medical devices and I'm comforted knowing that, now, more are operating within my community. I would like to wholeheartedly thank the Tarragal Glen Residents Committee—and a big thanks to Mr Peter Speers on his tireless efforts and contributions to make our community safer. I know these AEDs will be life-saving in emergency situations. My support also goes to community and committee member Mr Jim Skene on his support for this project and for all of his work alongside Mr Speers.