LONGWOOD community members are now better equipped to help those in cardiac arrest after a publicly accessible automated external defibrillator (AED) was gifted to the town.

The new life-saving device was recently installed in Longwood East on the fence of the Goulburn Valley water treatment plant, thanks to the hardworking Longwood Action Group.

Euroa ambulance community officer Shona Guest said the AED was an important addition for the area.

“There were already two publicly accessible AEDs in Longwood, however these aren’t easy to access from the eastern side of town,” Shona said.

“With support from Longwood East Landcare and Goulburn Valley Water, we have been able to add this additional device in a key location on Longwood-Ruffy Rd.”

Every day, around 21 Victorians will suffer a cardiac arrest and only one in 10 will survive.

Minutes matter in cardiac arrest.

When a patient receives CPR and a shock from an AED before paramedics arrive, their chance of survival more than doubles.

Shona said having AEDs in publicly accessible locations was critical, particularly in regional areas.

“If someone is in cardiac arrest and an AED is available, the Triple Zero call-taker can tell the bystander the location and they can go and get it,” she said.

“All you have to do is open it up and follow the instructions, the AED will not administer a shock unless it is needed.”

Shona encouraged locals to consider registering as a GoodSAM Responder.

“GoodSAM is an app that connects patients in cardiac arrest with a nearby volunteer who is willing to start hands-only CPR while paramedics are on their way,” she said.

“You don’t have to be first aid qualified or have a medical background, you just need to be willing and able to do hands-only CPR, be over 18 years of age and have access to a smartphone.”

Community members who are interested in learning CPR or how to use an AED are encouraged to reach out to Shona via shona.guest@ambulance.vic.gov.au.

Longwood AED Locations

• Under the veranda of the Longwood General Store – 12 Down St, Longwood.

• In the breezeway at the Longwood Community Centre and Recreation Reserve – 2A Down St, Longwood.

• On the fence of the water treatment plant – 385 Longwood-Ruffy Rd, Longwood East.