Two "Call, Push, Shock" sessions will be held at Neerim South this week as part of Ambulance Victoria's Shocktober campaign.
With more cardiac arrests in Victoria than ever before, Ambulance Victoria (AV) is encouraging local residents to learn or refresh their cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) skills and sign up to be a GoodSAM responder.
A cardiac arrest occurs when a person's heart suddenly stops pumping blood effectively around the body.
Ambulance Victoria regional director for Gippsland Ross Salathiel encouraged locals to learn CPR, how to use an automated external defibrillator (AED) and know where their closest defibrillator is located.
"Shocktober is about giving Victorians who have a cardiac arrest a better chance of returning to their loved ones," he said.
"CPR and defibrillation are critical. Every day, around 21 Victorians suffer the medical emergency but only one in 10 survive. For every minute CPR is delayed, survival decreases by 10 per cent.
"Cardiac arrest can happen to anyone, anytime, anywhere, at any age, health or fitness level, and often without symptoms.
"Our message is simple – you don't need to be a paramedic to save a life, just remember to Call (Triple Zero 000), Push (Perform CPR) and Shock (use an AED)."
Ross also encouraged locals to sign up to be a GoodSAM responder.
GoodSAM is a mobile app that connects patients in cardiac arrest with a nearby volunteer who is willing to start hands-only CPR while paramedics are on their way. There are currently more than 17,300 GoodSAM responders across Victoria – but we need more.
The Shocktober events will be held at Neerim South Football Netball Club tomorrow (October 8) from 11am to 2pm and on Saturday, from 9am to 1pm at the Neerim South emergency services open day at the Neerim South CFA station.