Founder of Heart of the Nation, Greg Page and Mayor of Parkes Shire Cr Ken Keith OAM at one of the AED towers that will soon be seen around the Parkes Shire.
The original Yellow Wiggle’s charitable initiative is coming to Parkes to help save lives.
Parkes Shire Council has agreed to a collaborative project with Heart of the Nation, set up by Greg Page, that will see eight publicly accessible Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) installed across the Shire.
“Given the fact that around 80% of cardiac arrests happen in the home, Council is pleased to announce this initiative that places AEDs within a much closer proximity to many more residents,” said Mayor of Parkes Shire Ken Keith OAM.
“Over the coming weeks, Council will commence the installation of the bright yellow tower stands that will house the AEDs and are designed to be bright to ensure high visibility.”
Greg Page said it was simple to use an AED and it required no training, qualification or certification to try to save someone’s life. “However, Heart of the Nation will be organising several community CPR and AED user training sessions for residents to take part in.
“Access will also be provided to an app to identify the location of the new AEDs as well as existing AEDs in Parkes that are already part of the Heart of the Nation network.” Greg said businesses, community groups or individuals with an AED were welcome to become a member of the Heart of the Nation network for free to help people identify the location all AEDs.
The AEDs will be in cabinets that are unlocked, so that they can be accessed rapidly when needed.
The Mayor thanked Greg for selecting Parkes as one of the first local government areas in NSW where the project would be rolled out.
Sudden Cardiac Arrest is a medical event that can strike anyone, anywhere, anytime – it happens to around 27,000 Australians every year – and tragically, 90% of people do not survive. Visit www.heartofthenation.com.au for more information.