Council supports Shocktober initiative

Published on 07 October 2021

Community groups and organisations are encouraged to join Gannawarra Shire Council in promoting the importance of public access to Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) as part of Shocktober.

An Ambulance Victoria initiative, Shocktober aims to increase survival rates of out of hospital cardiac arrest by teaching people how to perform CPR and use an AED.  

“Community groups and organisations have played a proactive role in promoting the importance of AEDs when people are suffering from a cardiac arrest, thanks to the installation of AEDs at recreational reserves, community halls, Men’s Sheds and other popular locations,” Mayor Charlie Gillingham said.

“Council has also played a role, thanks to the installation of public accessible units at numerous locations, including libraries, halls and swimming pools.”

As part of Shocktober, Council is asking community groups and organisations that have an AED to visit www.gsc.vic.gov.au/defib and complete the form to be eligible to access funding support to purchase new pads, batteries or cabinets to mount units externally.

“By completing a form, your community group is helping to promote where publicly accessible AEDs are, which is important when a cardiac arrest occurs,” Mayor Gillingham said.

“All information collected will enable Council to develop a record of publicly accessible AEDs, and also achieves one of the Gannawarra Community Resilience Committee Action Plan 2021-2023’s goals to increase public access to AEDs.”

Gannawarra Shire Council’s Shocktober program is funded through the Victorian Government’s Community Activation and Social Isolation Initiative and Drought (Mental Health) Package, and is supported by the Gannawarra Community Resilience Committee.

For more information, please visit www.gsc.vic.gov.au/defib, email grants@gsc.vic.gov.au or phone (03) 5450 9333.