Collie not-for profit organisations and community groups who wish to have a defibrillator present can now apply for an expression of interest to receive one through St John Ambulance WA’s Heart Grant.
Lottreywest donated $1.3 million to St John so more defibrillators could be rolled out across the state, increasing the capacity for bystanders to save a life in the event of a cardiac arrest.
St John Ambulance WA chief executive officer Tony Ahern said they were incredibly grateful for the donation which allows for more than 1000 defibrillators to be provided to sporting clubs, not for profit organisations and community groups.
“These devices, which deliver a therapeutic dose of electrical energy to a person’s heart when it has stopped pumping, are very easy to use even if you haven’t got any knowledge of first aid training,” he said.
Collie St John Ambulance volunteer Brylie Steiner said it was paramount that local groups get in to apply early as it’s first in best dressed.
“As a Collie sub centre we are wanting as many defibrillators within our community as possible to help save lives,” she said.
“If someone has a heart attack, for every minute that person misses out on having a defibrillator present to restart their heart, that’s a 10 percent chance gone at survival.”
Any group interested in receiving the grant will need to fill out an expression of interest form online at https://www.stjohnheartgrant.com.au/ and pay a $200 fee.
Groups will receive the defibrillator unit, a lock box and necessary first aid training, which is retailing in excess of $2000.
For more information go to www.stjohnheartgrant.com.au or contact Collie St John Ambulance volunteer Brylie Steiner on 0437462722.
