“Rapid access to a defibrillator (also known as an AED or Automatic External Defibrillator) can save the life of someone experiencing a cardiac arrest. This makes the installation of a defibrillator at the Warragul Police Station which is accessible to the general public 24 hours a day a welcome addition to communities health and safety” said Warragul Rotary President Sunil Bhatt.
Left to right – Constable Joshua Weaver, Alan Tatlow (Warragul Rotary), Paul Lewis (Neerim South Men’s Shed), Sunil Bhatt (President Warragul Rotary), Ross Salathiel (Paramedic Community Support Coordinator) and Alison Crombie (Local Area Commander)
The provision of the defibrillator has very much been a community project. The Rotary Club of Warragul and the Baw Baw Shire Council provided the funds for the defibrillator. The Neerim District Men’s Shed has partnered with Ambulance Victoria to install the defibrillator at the Warragul Police Station along with the installation of a number of other units in communities across the north of the Baw Baw Shire.
“The local police station is very pleased to be a part of this community health initiative” said Local Area Commander, Alison Crombie. “The defibrillator is located in the entrance to the police station. It provides a secure space and is readily accessible to the general public at any time of the day or night”.
Sunil Bhatt (President Warragul Rotary), Alan Tatlow (Warragul Rotary), Ross Salathiel (Paramedic Community Support Coordinator), Alison Crombie (Local Area Commander) and Paul Lewis (Neerim South Men’s Shed).
“If you suspect someone is in cardiac arrest then the patient’s best chance of survival is for someone to “Call, Push and Shock”. Call 000 to ensure an ambulance is on the way, the call taker will tell you what to do next. Push on the chest (perform compressions) and if an AED is available then attach it to administer a Shock” said Ambulance Victoria Community Support Co-ordinator Ross Salathiel. “Any chest compressions or CPR is better than no CPR and anybody can use an AED. Just open the lid and turn it on and the device will give the operator verbal instructions on how to use it. The defibrillator is safe to use and will only shock someone if it is clinically indicated” concluded Ross.
The Baw Baw Shire Council will be installing street signage in the Warragul CBD with directions to the defibrillator at the Warragul Police Station. Warragul Rotary will be working with the Warragul Business Group to raise the awareness of local traders to the location of the defibrillator at the police station.