Buderim Bendigo Community Bank® Branch has taken a bold new step to ensure the people in the Buderim and surrounding communities are protected.
The branch has just invested in the purchase of an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) which will be kept in the branch and will be immediately available for community use.
Buderim Bendigo Community Bank® branch manager, Mr Peter Macdonnell, said the branch was committed to providing meaningful support and service to the community.
"When the idea of purchasing a defibrillator unit for the branch came up, our Board was unanimous in the decision to proceed. We want to do everything we can to help protect the people in our community.
"If there is anyone in an emergency situation and they are in close proximity to the branch, then people need to know they can come straight to us for assistance," said Mr Macdonnell.
With 30,000 sudden cardiac arrests in Australia, the next emergency could happen at any time.
An ambulance response time can be over 10 minutes. A person's chance of survival also decreases 10 per cent with every passing minute. For this reason, an onsite defibrillator from St John Ambulance can save lives.
An AED will reset a person's heart rhythm if it is not beating correctly and they are unconscious. AED's are able to be operated by anyone, regardless of any formal training. A basic understand on how to use the AED is still advisable.
For this reason, the Buderim Bendigo Community Bank® Branch hosted a special life-saving information session in the branch for all local businesses and community group representatives to participate and gain much-needed skills.
