The Department of Fire and Emergency Services is distributing 828 Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) to bush fire brigades and State Emergency Service (SES) units to add significantly to their life-saving firefighting equipment.
The devices, which have been funded from the Emergency Services Levy, are to be fitted to fire appliances and SES utility vehicles and flood boats.
Minister for Emergency Services, Francis Logan said the portable AED devices were simple to use and could save someone’s life during a cardiac arrest. Volunteers had been trained in how to use them.
“Local Governments are assisting with the rollout of the devices to their bush fire brigades and SES units,” Mr Logan said.
“By providing our State’s bush fire brigades and SES units with these Automated External Defibrillator devices, we are increasing the level of emergency support available for our communities.”
He said the devices could save the life of someone who was involved in an emergency event “or even a volunteer themselves who find themselves in trouble during a stressful situation”.
“I would like to thank the various Local Governments that have assisted with the rollout of these devices to their bush fire brigades and SES units,” the Minister said.
He said Department of Fire and Emergency Services brigades, groups and units also carried AED devices.
