The intention is to install two Automatic External Defibrillators (AEDs) in publicly accessible places in the Fairy Meadow business precinct, so that most businesses and retail outlets will be within a short distance of an AED if the need arises for either their staff or customers.

Statistics show that as few as 10 per cent of the 20,000 plus Australians a year who suffer an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest survive the ordeal.

However, it is further estimated that if cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is initiated within a few minutes after the onset of a cardiac arrest, a person’s chance of surviving the episode is increased to 50 per cent. 

Further, if an AED is used early on, the survival rate can be increased to as much as 70 per cent.

As well as providing two AEDs in Fairy Meadow, the club proposes to organise free professional training in the use of an AED to all participating businesses and retail outlets from Balgownie Road to Cabbage Tree Lane and along Daisy Street and Elliott’s Road.

In addition to this initial training, the club will be providing ongoing refresher course training on an annual basis.

Clubs members will be visiting all business and retail outlets in the designated area over the coming weeks to introduce the project and distribute training application forms.

Our partner in this exciting project is the very well respected local enterprise Wollongong First Aid of Unit 8/6-8 Ralph Black Drive, North Wollongong.

Their contact details are: admin@wollongongfirstaid.com.au

For further information about this project please contact President David Guillaume at: aed@fairymeadowrotary.org.au.

If you are interested in finding out more about Fairy Meadow Rotary Club, please contact Secretary Kerrie at: secretary@fairymeadowrotary.org.au. 

The Rotary motto: Service Above Self.