Completion of Public Defibrillator Program Enhances Community Safety

Published on 16 October 2024

Wingecarribee Shire Council is pleased to announce that the final stage of the Public Defibrillator Program is complete.

The program was launched in January this year in partnership with Accidental Health and Safety Illawarra.

As part of the final stage, defibrillators have been installed outside of the following additional locations: Mittagong Memorial Hall, Wingello and Yerrinbool Halls, Bowral Senior Citizens Centre and Renwick Community Centre.

This marks a total of 17 new defibrillators installed across the Shire’s community halls and facilities.

Mayor Jesse Fitzpatrick expressed his enthusiasm for the program's expansion.

“Having readily available defibrillators and trained users significantly increases survival chances during a cardiac arrest,” he said.

Council encourages all community members, especially regular users of the venues, to familiarise themselves with these devices by visiting Council's webpage. The page includes videos, a map (location of devices across our Shire), and Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s) on defibrillator use https://www.wsc.nsw.gov.au/Places/Facilities/Defibrillators-at-Community-Halls

By providing both the defibrillators and these important training resources, Council aims to ensure that users of these facilities have the knowledge and confidence to use the defibrillators effectively in an emergency.

Sports teams and regular facilities users are also encouraged to organise and complete First Aid and CPR training to enhance their chances of saving someone’s life.

By increasing access to defibrillators in key public places we hope to save more lives in our community, as every second counts.