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Calls Grow for Mandatory Defibrillators in Community Sport Settings, Urging Victorian Government to Take Action Source: Herald Sun St John Ambulance Victoria (SJAV) has launched a campaign demanding the mandatory installation of defibrillators in community sport settings throughout the state. The move aims to save lives by providing immediate aid in cases of on-field cardiac arrests. Support for this initiative comes from the Ambulance Union, cardiovascular patients, and AFL Victoria. According to SJAV Chief Executive Gordon Botwright, having a defibrillator on the sidelines can make the difference between life and death. He emphasized that equipping sporting clubs with defibrillators is a crucial investment in public health, ensuring the accessibility and availability of these life-saving devices in the community. Citing South Australia as an example, where a bill was passed last year mandating defibrillator installation in various public settings, including community sporting clubs, by 2025, Botwright called for similar prioritization of public safety in Victoria. While the New South Wales (NSW) government has not mandated defibrillators in sporting settings, it has allocated $2 million to a local sport defibrillator grants program, active from 2022 to 2026. Victoria previously ran a similar program specific to defibrillators, but the application period for clubs closed in December 2017. Responding to inquiries, a spokesperson for the Andrews government mentioned that local clubs could still seek financial assistance to purchase defibrillators through the general “sporting club grants” program, which covers a wide range of club necessities, including uniforms and skill development. However, defibrillator batteries and pads typically require replacement every two to five years, rendering the devices provided through the government program that ended in 2017 outdated. The government did not comment on the possibility of mandating defibrillator usage or establishing protocols to ensure their regular renewal. This call for mandatory defibrillators follows an incident involving Jojo Ofosu-Amaah, a Keysborough footballer who suffered a midgame cardiac arrest in April during an away match against Skye. The initial defibrillation attempt failed due to a faulty device, but he survived due to the presence of a second defibrillator and witness CPR. Ofosu-Amaah expressed disbelief that an 11-year-old defibrillator was available while a functioning one was not. He stressed the need for defibrillators at every sports ground, regular accessibility checks, and penalties for non-compliance on game days. Gordon Botwright added that the simple task of checking the battery status and expiration dates of defibrillator pads may have been overlooked in recent years due to lockdowns disrupting local sports activities. He urged authorities to prioritize these essential checks, emphasizing their crucial role in ensuring the preparedness of the device to save lives. Data from SJAV revealed that only 1.45% of sudden cardiac arrest victims in Victoria receive bystander defibrillation. Cardiac arrest cases increased by 5.8% in Victoria during 2021-22 compared to the previous year. When shocked first by a public defibrillator, patients had a 50% chance of survival, compared to 27% when waiting for paramedics. Danny Hill, Victorian Ambulance Union Secretary, highlighted the importance of quick defibrillation, as paramedics’ response times can significantly impact outcomes. He emphasized that having someone trained in CPR with access to a defibrillator greatly increases the chances of survival, particularly in sporting settings where many cardiac arrests occur. Stuart Goddard, a Traralgon man who experienced a sudden cardiac arrest while preparing to play football, emphasized the importance of widespread availability of defibrillators. Goddard, who now has a defibrillator implanted.

Lisa Marie Presley suffers second cardiac arrest before passing Photo; Photo by Michael Tran/FilmMagic Lisa Marie Presley experienced a second cardiac arrest after being hospitalised, and her family is waiting for the results of toxicology tests. New details have emerged regarding the death of Lisa Marie Presley, who passed away after suffering a second cardiac arrest while hospitalised. The 54-year-old singer was found unresponsive in her California home and was rushed to the hospital, where she was placed into an induced coma. Due to her critical condition, her family signed a do-not-resuscitate order. Despite an “epinephrine” shot being administered to regain her pulse, her heart stopped beating a second time while in the hospital. An autopsy has been conducted, but the official cause of death is pending toxicology results. Presley’s mother, Priscilla, issued a statement confirming her daughter’s death and asking for privacy as the family deals with this profound loss. News of her death has sent shockwaves through the entertainment industry, with celebrities taking to social media to pay tribute to the singer and daughter of Elvis Presley. Source: Sky News

New South Wales: Local Sport Defibrillator Grant Program The below information is all sourced from: https://www.sport.nsw.gov.au/grants/local-sport-defibrillator-grant-program please click the link for up-to-date information. We are purely repurposing to raise additional awareness for the Government Grant. Our defibrillators are perfect for the below grant, we are also an eligible business. Local Sport Defibrillator Grant Program The Local Sport Defibrillator Grant Program is aimed at improving availability and access to Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) in community sporting and recreational facilities, for use in emergencies involving cardiac arrest. An AED is a device that is used in conjunction with Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) and delivers a controlled shock to an individual experiencing cardiac arrest, increasing their chances of survival. About the program The NSW Government is allocating $2 million over four years, 2022-26 to assist sporting clubs across NSW in the purchase and maintenance of AEDs. Applicants can request grants for multiple AEDs in a single application to a maximum of three devices, but the maximum grant for each AED cannot exceed $3,000. Each organisation is limited to one application per financial year. Important dates Program opens: Tuesday 29 November 2022 Program closes: 1:00pm, Friday 10 February 2023 Assessment of applications will occur at intervals over this period, and applicants will be advised of their outcomes as they are processed. Key objectives The Local Sports Defibrillator Grant Program is aligned with the Office of Sport Strategic Plan, particularly in the following objectives: Increase the capability of the sector to create fair, safe and inclusive environments for everyone, including children Increase regular and on-going participation in sport Assist sport clubs to provide quality service to their members and meet community needs. Funding availability Grants are available up to $3000 per AED package, and eligible organisations can apply for up to three packages to a total maximum value of $9000. Eligible Applicants To be eligible for a grant an applicant will need to be one of the following: Incorporated, not-for-profit sports and recreational clubs or other incorporated organisations in NSW that are sport or recreation related State or national sporting organisations on behalf of member clubs located in NSW Licensed sporting clubs, providing that the project directly benefits sporting activities Sporting clubs associated with a school, church or university providing they are an incorporated not for profit club in their own right Councils, and sport and recreational facilities owners on behalf of sport and recreational clubs Service clubs such as Rotary, CWA and Lions, on behalf of sports clubs. Ineligible applicants Ineligible applicants are any organisation types not listed as ‘Eligible Applicants’ above, and include, but are not limited to: Individuals Parents and Citizens (P&C) Associations For-profit, commercial organisations Government departments and agencies An eligible organisation will be deemed not eligible for funding under this program if they are an organisation named: by the National Redress Scheme for Institutional Child Sexual Abuse on its list of institutions that have not joined or signified their intent not to join the Scheme; or in the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse that has not yet joined the National Redress Scheme. Application process Step 1: Check your eligibility Before you apply, please read these guidelines to make sure you understand all relevant requirements, including whether you are eligible to apply. You can find the relevant information on the Office of Sport’s website: Projects must be submitted through the SmartyGrants website to be considered eligible. Step 2: Prepare your application Applying for the Local Sport Grant Program is a simple process using the SmartyGrants website The Office of Sport recommends that applicants familiarise themselves with the online application form ahead of preparing the application and plan ahead of the closing date. You can download a copy of the application form prior to commencing your application. Step 3: Submit your application Complete the application by filling in each of the sections including required documentation. Submit the application by 1:00pm on Friday 10 February 2023. Successful submissions will be issued with a SmartyGrants system generated acknowledgement email containing a PDF copy of the application which will confirm the time the application was submitted. Supporting documents Program guidelines Frequently Asked Questions Apply now