PLAYERS and spectators across the region will soon be able to participate and watch their local community sporting matches with a greater sense of security, thanks to a new NSW Government funding program to make Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) easier to purchase and have on hand than ever before.
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Member for Northern Tablelands Adam Marshall announced that the government’s Local Sport Defibrillator Program was now open for applications from local clubs with the cost of purchasing these life-saving devices.
“The first moments of cardiac arrest are vital – and quick action can improve survival rates by up to 75 per cent,” Mr Marshall said.
“For every minute that passes before defibrillation begins, a patient is 10 per cent less likely to survive a lethal cardiac rhythm.
“Modern devices are designed to be used without any medical training, improving survival rates for the 33,000 Australians who experience cardiac arrest each year.
“This $4 million in funding will enable more than 2,500 AEDs to be installed at local sporting grounds, increasing the likelihood that one will be close when disaster strikes.”
Mr Marshall encouraged all local sporting groups across the Northern Tablelands to apply for grant funding under the Local Sport Defibrillator Program.
“The program will fund up to 50 per cent of the defibrillator cost, along with training and maintenance support for club members,” he said. “I’d love to see an AED at every sporting facility in our region – it may be the difference between life and death for someone.”
The scheme is targeting community sports clubs, but applications from licensed sporting clubs and sports organisations associated with schools, churches, universities, and councils will also be considered.