General News
6 August, 2024
An improved chance of life at the Aerodrome
The Warracknabeal Aero Club has become the beneficiary of a generous grant from West Wind Energy to make the facility a "place to go" for an AED during a heart attack emergency.
Cara Hadzig from West Wind Energy presented the Warracknabeal Aero Club with an automated external defibrillator (AED) at the club's annual awards dinner on July 27.
In presenting the AED, Ms Hadzig said West Wind Energy was committed to investing in the community, and the grant was a good indication of doing so.
“I understand the aerodrome is a reasonably long distance from the nearest AED in town, particularly when time is of the essence to save a life,” Ms Hadzig said.
“Research has shown that if an AED is available and used within a few minutes of a heart attack, there is a significant likelihood of the patient's survival.
"So we believe this is a valuable investment for the community at the Warracknabeal Aero Club."
Defibrillation can be a lifesaver for someone in cardiac arrest by using an electrical charge to stop the heart's abnormal rhythm.
This allows the patient's heart to start a normal rhythm again.
First aid trainer Casey Kosch from Murtoa, who supplied the AED said, “According to statistics 53 per cent of those shocked by an AED administered by bystanders, before an ambulance arrived, survived."
"That is a significantly better survival rate than without an AED," she said.
The new AED will be available for 24-hour access.
It is located in a protective cabinet near the Aero Club Clubrooms and Ambulance Transfer Station at the Aerodrome.