News

Grants and awards Sport and Recreation | October 08, 2015

Funding for sports clubs to buy defibrillators

Local sporting clubs are encouraged to apply for an automatic defibrillator to help save the lives of players, officials and spectators.

Member for Lowan Emma Kealy said the Defibrillators for Sporting Clubs and Facilities Program was now open and provided clubs with funding to purchase an automatic external defibrillator (AED) for their club or sports facility.

“A person’s chance of survival decreases 10 per cent every minute without defibrillation after they’ve suffered a cardiac arrest,” Ms Kealy said.

“A heart attack is a medical emergency and every minute counts. The sooner that an AED can be placed on the patient, the greater their chance of survival and recovery.”

Ms Kealy said clubs would be assessed on their location, the age of members and the sport played, and also the number of volunteers who will be trained to provide emergency care.

“Clubs who are successful in acquiring a grant will receive an AED package that includes a high quality defibrillator, basic training and a minimum of three years of essential maintenance,” Ms Kealy said.

“This program is a great opportunity for local sports clubs to boost their first aid skills, improve planning for medical emergencies and ensure players and spectators suffering sudden cardiac arrest get help until paramedics arrive.”

Applications for the first round close 28 October 2015. 

For more information or to submit an application, clubs should visit www.sport.vic.gov.au/grants-and-programs/