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Football Federation Australia (FFA) has taken a major step in its implementation of best medical practice by increasing the number of Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) presented to all Hyundai A-League, Westfield W-League and Foxtel National Youth League teams.

The individual teams in each of the three leagues will now have their own dedicated defibrillator for all training and match day activities in addition to the FFA funded Heartstart Defibrillator clubs received back in 2012.

Seven Match Official training centre locations across Australia have also been provided with a defibrillator ensuring that elite level Referees from FFA's appointed National Panel have access to a defibrillator during training sessions.

FFA Head of Hyundai A-League & Westfield W-League Greg O’Rourke explained “the provision and funding of additional Automated External Defibrillators to each club is a significant investment in our emphasis on the safety of players and match officials.

“By providing additional Zoll Plus Defibrillators it will allow clubs to better manage the allocation of the devices so that each team in the Hyundai A-League, Foxtel National Youth League and Westfield W-League will have access to its own defibrillator, which is a significant enhancement.

“There have already been a number of cases where defibrillators being on hand at football venues and clubs have saved the lives of people who have suffered Sudden Cardiac Arrest.”

Professional Footballers Australia (PFA) Chief Executive John Didulica welcomed the allocation of the extra defibrillators, adding “this is an important step forward and one that is supported by all our members.

“As a sport, football can pride itself on being Australia’s safest. As such there is a collective responsibility on everyone to ensure this is not undermined and this commitment by FFA further safeguards the wellbeing of our members and the best interests of the sport."

The AEDs have been distributed to the clubs and the match official training centres.

The Zoll Plus device procured recently by FFA is the Defibrillator device recommended and utilised by world football governing body FIFA and the Asian Football Confederation, with the FFA stating that the device “represents best medical practice in football”.

Image: FFA have announced defibrillators will be provided to all Hyundai A-League, Foxtel National Youth League and Westfield W-League teams.

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