Sunshine currently has one of the highest rates of out of hospital cardiac arrests in the state. St John Ambulance Victoria, together with Brimbank Council and the local community, are working together to turn that around.
The challenge is to transform Sunshine into one of the safest places in Australia to face sudden cardiac arrest, through CPR training and the Defib In Your Street Program.
We talked to Kent, who has completed the St John Ambulance free CPR course and hosts a Defib In Your Street for community to access during emergencies
What three words describe you? Passionate, Creative, Patient.
What is your proudest achievement so far? My family. I’m very lucky to have an amazing and supportive wife and my daughters who are absolutely perfect in their own way.
Why did you learn CPR and how to operate a defibrillator? I predominantly work with kids and adults who have special needs, knowing what signs to look for especially if they have any allergies or epilepsy, is crucial to my job. Their wellbeing means everything to me and they deserve to be in the care of someone who has their back in any situation.
What’s so special about the people of Brimbank that we should all know about Defib In Your Street? We are such a multi-cultural community which are so inclusive to helping those around us. It’s great to walk down the street and see so many families with such rich heritage which is put on display throughout the year for others to enjoy as well. Having the opportunity to host a Defib could potentially mean saving the life of a neighbour or a loved one and that honestly is one of the best gifts we could give anyone.
St John Ambulance Victoria is providing free CPR training to residents of Sunshine and people with a strong connection to the area through family, work, study or leisure as part of the Defib In Your Street Community Program.
CPR classes are run every Tuesday morning at the West Sunshine Community Centre and every Friday afternoon at Visy Cares hub in Sunshine, which is just next door to the Sunshine Library.
Courses are:
- Free!
- Accredited!
- Life Saving!
You can book in via the link: https://www.stjohnvic.com.au/first-aid-training/first-aid-courses/defib-in-your-street-first-aid-training/
Defib In Your Street is a program run in partnership between Brimbank City Council and St John Ambulance Victoria.
