Over 7,000 people experience cardiac arrest out of hospital in NSW every year. The availability of a defibrillator can mean the difference between life and death and can increase the chance of survival by up to 75 per cent.
Recognising the need for defibrillators in the local community the NSW government are rolling out a four year program to assist sporting clubs to purchase and maintain an Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs).
‘Across the state, the NSW government will aim to provide more than 2,500 life-saving defibrillators to local communities and I strongly urge eligible local clubs to consider applying,’ said local member for Lismore Thomas George.
Minister for Sport, Stuart Ayres said the Local Sport Defibrillator Program has assisted over 400 sporting organisations attain the life-saving technology during the first round.
Lismore community sporting clubs are now eligible to apply for the Local Sport Defibrillator Grant Program that will supply half the cost of purchase and maintenance of an AED.
‘In 2018, we hope to increase the availability of defibrillators at community-based sports facilities and improve the likelihood of survival for incidents of cardiac arrest,’ Mr Ayres said.
‘Clubs receive 50 per cent towards the funding and maintenance of a defibrillator, with clubs in NSW’s Far West region set to benefit from a 75 per cent co-contribution from the program.’
Applications close 14 September 2018.
Details about applications and eligibility can be found online.