NSW Sports Facilities continue to secure Lifesaving Defibrillators

The NSW Government has today announced the delivery of almost 200 life-saving defibrillators to sporting and recreation organisations across the state - bringing the total number of devices awarded under this program to more than 2,500 defibrillators.

Every year, more than 9,000 people experience cardiac arrests outside of hospitals and these defibrillators play a key role in helping save the lives of a number of these people.

These portable defibrillators detect and analyse a person's heart activity and, if needed, deliver an electric shock through the chest to the heart.

The NSW Government's Local Sport Defibrillator Grant Program provides up to $3,000 for the purchase, installation and training in new automated external defibrillators.

A total of $500,000 has been made available each year to NSW sporting organisations to pay for these devices.

Importantly, approximately 80% of defibrillators awarded under this round of funding went to regional and remote communities, where emergency medical services naturally are further apart.

This follows a decision made by the NSW Government to ensure funding was directed to grassroots sporting organisations in some of NSW's most disadvantaged areas for new life-saving defibrillators at local sports facilities.

NSW Minister for Sport Steve Kamper noted "the Local Sport Defibrillator Grant Program equips sports clubs to be able to respond to potentially life-threatening emergencies at their sports facilities.

"The first few minutes following out-of-hospital cardiac arrest are critical, that is why the NSW Government is ensuring people participating in sport activities have access to potentially life-saving equipment.

"This investment by the NSW Government has the potential to mean the difference between life and death."

Founder, Heartbeat of Football Andy Paschalidis added "I applaud the NSW Government for the ongoing defibrillator rollout programme which is saving lives.

"Last year, at least six footballers in Sydney alone were saved because of defibrillator access at their grounds and the rapid response by individuals trained in CPR.

"It's wonderful to see 200 sporting clubs will now be able to purchase and install these life saving devices."

Co-deputy Director of the Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute Professor Jamie Vandenberg advised "around 10,000 people in NSW suffer a cardiac arrest outside of hospital each year, and currently the vast majority will die.

"Being able to access a defibrillator in those crucial first minutes can make all the difference, so it's incredibly heartening to see that almost 200 sporting clubs will now be able to purchase and install these lifesaving devices. This will help keep families together

"This is a sobering statistic but it's one we can change for the better by installing more of these lifesaving devices in sports clubs across the State."

The NSW Labor Government is committed to rebuilding our grassroots sporting communities and ensuring local facilities are fit-for-purpose.

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