Wallace Street Park in Caboolture is one of nine locations across the Moreton Bay region to receive a potentially life-saving Automatic External Defibrillator (AED) as part of a successful pilot programme.
The initiative, a collaboration between the City of Moreton Bay, Urban Play, and Stryker, aims to enhance community safety by providing readily accessible AEDs in public spaces.
Mayor Peter Flannery emphasised the significance of the programme, stating that the devices could significantly improve survival rates for individuals experiencing sudden cardiac arrest, a condition affecting roughly 90 Australians daily, with 95% not reaching a hospital alive.
The 12-week pilot, which concluded successfully, saw AEDs strategically placed in various parks and outdoor areas, including Wallace Street Park, based on demographic factors such as age, health considerations, and proximity to hospitals. Thanks to the partnership with Urban Play and Stryker, the devices were installed at no cost to ratepayers and will remain accessible at the selected sites.
Mayor Flannery underscored the user-friendly nature of the defibrillators, highlighting their ease of use and safety, even for those with minimal training. Clear instructions, along with visual and voice prompts, guide users through the resuscitation process until professional help arrives.
Given the positive outcome of the pilot, the City of Moreton Bay is now exploring the possibility of extending the programme to new major park upgrades and existing district and regional parks with high visitor numbers.
This move aligns with Urban Play’s mission to create spaces that promote healthier and more active lifestyles and solidifies Stryker’s commitment to advancing medical technology for the betterment of public health.
Published Date 08-July-2024
