With that in mind, State MP for Auburn, Lynda Voltz, is encouraging sporting organisations to apply for a share of $500,000 from the NSW Government to install life-saving defibrillators at sports facilities.
The Local Sport Defibrillator Grant Program, which provides grants up to $3,000 for the purchase of automated external defibrillators, is available to sport and recreation clubs, associations and organisations, as well as councils and service clubs.
Ms Voltz said the program would help ensure that people participating in sport in the most disadvantaged areas, had access to this life-saving equipment.
“The Local Sport Defibrillator Grant Program supports sports to install this equipment at local sports facilities, enabling them to respond in the worst-case scenario, and I encourage all our local associations to apply,” she said.
Professor Jamie Vandenberg, Co-deputy Director of the Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute, said that sudden cardiac death was rare, but it could strike anyone at any time, and when it did every minute counted.
“If you have a sudden cardiac arrest outside of hospital, you only have a one in 10 chance of survival,” he said.
“Defibrillators save lives; we need more across NSW and in as many sporting clubs as possible.”
Apply for ‘lifesaver’ funds urged
WITH “more and more people” of all ages participating in sport and active recreation, it’s vital that local sporting organisations are equipped to respond to life-threatening emergencies.
