Thanks to the Howlong Golf Club’s community defibrillator and quick-thinking locals, a life was saved just last week.
Operations manager Alannah Cusack said the club was grateful to have installed Howlong’s first 24-hour accessible defibrillator in July 2021.
“At the time, the Board of Directors and management saw it as a priority for the community and pursued an opportunity through NSW Sport and Recreation in assisting their decision,” she said.
“Our application was successful, with Howlong Golf Resort matching the grant dollar for dollar to get this life saving piece of equipment on our doorstep for use by the general public.”
The defibrillator, located on the front wall of the clubhouse, has been used by the public many times since installation, the last time being Sunday night, July 3 where the response time for the ambulance was over two hours long.
“We often get lovely comments after use of the defib. They are as simple as a thank you to the club for saving a loved one’s life,” Ms Cusack said.
“That comment itself always gives me goosebumps. The fact of knowing in some way shape or form, that our club has made a difference to a family is what resonates with me.”
Statistics show around 30,000 Australians suffer a cardiac arrest outside a hospital every year and of those people, only 10 per cent survive.
Ms Cusack said a defibrillator was an essential part in trying to save lives and encouraged others to get on board with installing one of the world’s most important pieces of medical technology.
“I would strongly encourage all other clubs to get on board and have a 24-hour public access defibrillator,” she said.
“We as the public have a vital role to play for each other and it’s simply the difference between life or death.”
The Howlong Golf Club defibrillator is located at 186 Golf Club Drive, Howlong, NSW and is located on the front wall of the club house.
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