Prepared for the unexpected

USING a defibrillator within a few minutes of someone having a cardiac arrest could increase the chances of survival by 70%.

(Contributed by Hervey Bay RSL)

A grant from the Hervey Bay RSL has helped ensure an Automated External Defibrillator is readily available at the Hervey Bay Historical Village and Museum. PHOTO: Supplied.

It could mean the difference between life and death.

That’s why it was important for volunteer electrician George Carmichael to lead the charge in fundraising for an AED (automated external defibrillator) to be on hand at the Hervey Bay Historical Village and Museum.

Because of his profession, George is very aware that the unexpected can happen at any time.

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“I’m an (retired) electrician so I understand CPR and the need for it in real life,” George said.

“You only need 10 milliamperes through your body to stop your heart, and that’s not much.”

The committee was hesitant to spend $1750 on a machine that would be used for “just in case” but a local paramedic who visited the team for a chat quickly changed their mind.

Funding was also taken care of with the museum being successful in getting a $1275 grant from the Hervey Bay RSL Grants Program and a further generous donation of $475 from the Hervey Bay RSL Social Bowls Club.

“The opposition was that we had the ambulance station just down the road and we lost the vote to get one until we had the paramedic come in,” George said

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“He said just because they are down the road it doesn’t mean they are always there. It might only take them five minutes to get there but that might be five minutes too long.

“Our volunteers and most of the visitors are elderly, and it could be needed at any time.

“Hopefully we’ll never have to use it but it’s there if we need to.”

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