St John Ambulance launches first Drive-a-thon to save a life

Paramedics’ first national Drive-a-thon has kicked off, with volunteers set to traverse the country to install about $50,000 worth of life-saving equipment in the nation’s most remote areas.

ST John Ambulance embarks on national driveathon – starting in the NT – to install Automated External Defibrillators in remote and regional areas.

An inaugural national drive-a-thon has kicked off, with volunteers set to traverse the country to install about $50,000 worth of life-saving equipment in the nation’s most remote areas.

St John Ambulance Australia chief executive Brendan Maher said the campaign kicked off on October 14, National Start a Heart Day, and would run until December 14.

Mr Maher said teams of volunteers would travel across the country to deliver free CPR training to about 5,000 people.

He also hoped to raise $160,000 over the 16,000km journey.

“For over 140 years, St John Ambulance has empowered Australians with the skills and

equipment needed to respond in emergencies,” Mr Maher said.

“The St John Drive-a-thon proudly continues this legacy.

“Every year, around 26,000 Australians suffer a sudden cardiac arrest outside of hospital, with only about 10 per cent surviving.

“That’s why knowing CPR and having access to an AED is so crucial.”

ST John Ambulance visited St Joseph’s Catholic College on Wednesday.

Katherine’s St Joseph’s Catholic College received the first AED on Wednesday.

Principal Sunniva Antonucci said the school occasionally had students or staff with heart conditions, so the training and equipment would prove highly valuable.

“Learning CPR is not just an activity, it’s a life skill that they can carry for the rest of their lives, whether they need to help a family member, friend, or stranger in need,” she said.

Originally published as St John Ambulance launches first Drive-a-thon to save a life