With nearly 160 automated external defibrillators (AEDs) located throughout the Dubbo Local Government Area, the region is considered an Australian leader in per capita access to the lifesaving devices. While AEDs are a frontline defence in combating mortality from cardiac arrest, the early and effective use of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and an AED combined can be even more critical in an emergency.
Dubbo Regional Council has partnered with the Australian Red Cross in Dubbo to provide sponsorship funding to assist with hosting a free ‘Learn CRP Saturday’ on Saturday 13 March. Combined with the ever-increasing numbers of AEDs being rolled out across the region, the Red Cross and Council hope that by people learning CPR, the region will be one of the safest places in Australia in the event of a cardiac arrest emergency.
Former Yellow Wiggle and Wiggles founding member Greg Page AM is living proof that CPR and an AED can make the difference between life and death during cardiac arrest.
On 17 January 2020, Mr Page suffered cardiac arrest at a Wiggles reunion show in Sydney while raising funds for bushfire relief efforts. Mr Page collapsed on stage and stopped breathing; an off-duty nurse who was in the audience, performed CPR with Wiggles band members and staff using an AED three times before Mr Page was taken by paramedics to hospital where he eventually recovered.
Mayor of the Dubbo Region, Councillor Ben Shields, has welcomed Council’s sponsorship involvement in supporting Learn CRP Saturday. The Mayor was also behind a successful program in 2019 that saw $12,000 committed by Council to install AEDs in Dubbo’s outlying villages – on top of the investment already made by Council to roll out the devices to Council owned and operated facilities and venues.
“Learning CPR is one of the greatest things anyone can learn, it could literally save someone’s life,” said Councillor Shields. “The work of the Australian Red Cross, in particular, local trainer and former 2019 Dubbo Citizen of the Year, George Chapman is to be commended for the initiative, and I encourage everyone to put Learn CPR Saturday on 13 March in your diary.”
Dubbo Regional Council’s CEO, Michael McMahon, said he is extremely proud of Council’s joint initiative with the Australian Red Cross to see every Council facility and major sporting ground fitted with AEDs.
“These are life-saving devices that anyone can use because of the step-by-step guidance the machine provides when activated in an emergency,” said Mr McMahon. “AEDs can be found in many shops, restaurants, businesses and venues where people gather; ensuring Council facilities are also equipped with AEDs was critical. I encourage the community to get involved in Learn CPR Saturday and learn how and where to look for AEDs when you travel around our region.”
Learn CPR Saturday will be hosted at the Dubbo Regional Convention Centre (DRTCC) in Darling Street from 9am to 4pm on Saturday 13 March. As part of the day, a Medical Expo will also take place where people can have their blood pressure, eyes and hearing checked for free. A number of stallholders from the medical and allied health professions will also be there on the day to answer questions and showcase medical technology and services. CPR lessons will run throughout for the duration of the event.
Source: DRC