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Victorian grassroots sports clubs can now apply for a life-saving defibrillator, so that players, spectators and parents can step in during an emergency until paramedics arrive.

Victorian Minister for Sport John Eren joined respected sports doctor Peter Larkins at the Melbourne Sports and Aquatic Centre to announce applications are open for clubs to secure one of 1,0000 defibrillators that the Victorian Government is rolling to community clubs.

Minister Eren highlighted that when cardiac arrest strikes, a person's chance of survival decreases 10% every minute without defibrillation.

He explained “when cardiac arrest strikes on the sports field, there isn’t a second spare. Early intervention can be the difference between life and death, and we’re giving clubs the chance to act fast.”

Clubs will be assessed on location, the age of members and the sport played, but also the number of volunteers who will be trained to provide emergency care.

Successful clubs will be required to implement a sports medical plan, so they are prepared to act fast in an emergency. The new devices will appear on Ambulance Victoria’s database, so that triple zero operators will be able to direct callers to an additional 1000 devices available when emergency strikes within the community.

Minister Eren added “(this) investment will mean clubs have the equipment and volunteers have the knowledge to save lives. We’re ensuring thousands more Victorians are able to assist in an emergency.

“Immediate CPR, easy access to equipment and a clear emergency plan is the key to making sure an emergency on the field doesn’t cost a player or supporter their life.”

Click here for more information on the Sport and Recreation Victoria website.

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