Politicians call for Sydney councils, sporting clubs apply for $3000 defibrillator grant
Heart attacks occurring outside of hospitals rarely have a happy ending, which is why these groups are being urged to invest in critical life-saving equipment.
Southern Courier
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It’s a “shocking” statistic that highlights the need to invest in a critical heart-starting device.
Incredibly, only 10 per cent of people who experience a heart attack outside of hospital survive.
“However, their chances double when a defibrillator is used in those critical first few minutes,” NSW Sports Minister Steve Kamper said.
“We want to make sure we can get as many defibrillators out to as many sporting clubs as possible.”
That’s why councils, sporting clubs and facilities in Sydney are being encouraged to get a jump-start on applying for a defibrillator, courtesy of a state-funded program.
According to the Heart Foundation, cardiovascular disease is one of the country’s biggest health problems, with 24 per cent deaths in Australia attributed to it.
Currently, the state government is running a local sport defibrillator program and more than 2000 defibrillators have been installed so far.
Sporting clubs, councils, organisations and not-for-profit and many others can apply to receive a $3000 grant in order to buy an automated external defibrillator.
Ron Hoenig, the state Labor MP for Heffron in Sydney’s inner south, is supportive of all eligible sporting organisations and local councils within his seat applying for the grant.
“It’s great to see record levels of participation in sport and recreation in the community, but it’s critical our local facilities are equipped to respond to potentially life-threatening incidents,” Mr Hoenig said.
“The local sport defibrillator grant program provides support for sporting organisations in Heffron to purchase and install this equipment at their facilities. Having access to a defibrillator could one day save someone’s life, so I encourage eligible sporting clubs to apply.”
Mr Kamper also stressed the importance of having access to a defibrillator.
“With more than 9000 out of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest in NSW each year, the first few minutes following an incident are critical, and access to a defibrillator can mean the difference between life and death,” Mr Kamper said.
“What we have seen time after time is that these defibrillators save lives. That is why we as a government are focused on ensuring sporting clubs across the state can access this lifesaving technology.”
Those wishing to apply for a slice of the $500,000 grant have until November 27, or when funding is all gone.
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