URGENT UPDATE: With cardiac arrests surging in Victoria, authorities are calling on residents of Bolinda and Monegeetta to learn or refresh their cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) skills immediately. Ambulance Victoria (AV) has issued this critical plea as part of their campaign during Shocktober, emphasizing that timely CPR can make the difference between life and death.
AV Loddon Mallee regional director Matt McCrohan stated, “Every day, around 21 Victorians suffer a cardiac arrest, but shockingly, only one in ten survive.” This alarming statistic highlights the urgency of CPR training, as survival chances decrease by 10% for every minute CPR is delayed.
Residents are encouraged to participate in local training sessions to learn how to use an automated external defibrillator (AED) and identify the nearest defibrillator locations. “Our message is simple – you don’t need to be a paramedic to save a life,” McCrohan said. “Just remember to Call (Triple 000), Push (Perform CPR), and Shock (use an AED).”
To further support this initiative, locals can sign up to become a GoodSAM responder. This mobile app connects bystanders in cardiac arrest situations with nearby volunteers trained to provide hands-only CPR until paramedics arrive.
AV will host the Call, Push, Shock training sessions in Bolinda and Monegeetta throughout Shocktober. The community is also invited to attend the Bolinda-Monegeetta CFA Bonfire Night on October 18, 2023, at 5 PM, where additional CPR training opportunities will be available.
As cardiac arrest can strike anyone, regardless of age or fitness level, the importance of these skills cannot be overstated. By participating in training, residents can significantly enhance their communities’ chances of saving lives. Don’t wait—take action now and help ensure that your loved ones have a better chance of survival in an emergency.
