Protecting the heart of our community

Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate has used Valentine’s Day as a platform to promote the installation of 13 new Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) across the city.

“Today is all about hearts. In this case, saving lives through simple initiatives like this,’’ he said.

Mayor Tate said the 13 new lifesaving defibrillators were now installed in City libraries and community centres across the city.

“With 10,000 people visiting these facilities each day, it makes sense to install the defibrillators in these locations,” he said.

“People shouldn’t be scared to use an AED. They come with verbal instructions and will only deliver an electric shock to the heart if necessary. If you’re in one of the community facilities where we have installed a defibrillator and you see someone in trouble, use it because you could end up saving someone’s life.

“Your chance of surviving a cardiac arrest will dramatically increase with people calling triple zero (000) and applying a defibrillator as quickly as possible.’’

The 13 new defibrillators are in addition to the 115 portable defibrillators donated to community and sporting groups late last year.

Visit cityofgoldcoast.com.au/defibs for location details.