Rushworth is about to join an exclusive, and life-saving, class of Heart Saving Communities.
The Rushworth community is at the beginning of a live-saving journey.
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Through Ambulance Victoria and the Heart Foundation, Rushworth is joining a large class of Heart Safe Communities, a program which aims to improve survival rates from cardiac arrests in small communities.
The residents will undergo the 12-month training program focusing on CPR, automated external defibrillator use, and the GoodSAM smartphone app.
AV Loddon Mallee regional director Matt McCrohan congratulated everyone involved in the program as the program begins in Rushworth.
“The Heart Safe Communities program is all about teaching Victorians that anyone can save a life — simply follow the three simple steps: Call 000, push hard and fast on the middle of the chest to give CPR, and shock using an AED,” he said.
Rushworth is one of two communities in the Loddon Mallee region to begin the journey towards becoming a Heart Safe Community.
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“Every minute matters in a cardiac arrest and it’s pleasing to know more people in our region will now feel confident to act while paramedics are on their way.
“We’re excited to get to work with community members in Rushworth … and empower them with the skills to save a life.”
Rushworth is the second town in the Loddon Mallee region to become involved in the program following Stanhope’s involvement in 2022.
The Heart Safe Communities are chosen based on how often ambulances are needed, the number of cardiac arrests, the number of AEDs available, and population and community readiness.