The Dubbo branch of Westfund has installed an automated external defibrillator (AED) for use in cardiac emergencies.

The organisation also hoped to make the high-tech medical devices more accessible for local community groups, according to Westfund regional manager Nicole Hilliard.

As part of the Here for Hearts health initiative being rolled out across regional NSW, she said, Westfund had partnered with Defibshop to match dollar-for-dollar the cost of buying AEDs for eligible applicants in Dubbo and surrounds.

“Defibrillation is very important in regional areas where machines can be limited and ambulance waiting times can be longer than usual,” Ms Hilliard said.

“We hope this program can help not only individuals but entire communities in emergency situations where extra time is crucial.”

A launch held in Dubbo offered those in attendance a demonstration of how the defibrillator worked.

The AEDs were fully automatic and instructed the rescuer with both CPR and defibrillation using easy-to-follow voice commands.

Defibshop managing director Carpet Hughes said it was exciting to be able to bring more of the machines to the community.

“AEDs are used in the instance of sudden cardiac arrest. If delivered within minutes of a cardiac arrest, defibrillation can increase survival rates by 80 per cent or more,” he said.

“It’s about grabbing the opportunity to save a life that might not otherwise have been saved. With defibrillation, the first few minutes are important. Not just to get the heart going but to also keep the brain alive.

“The programme is available for community groups such as sporting clubs and schools, gyms, swimming centres, community function centres, aged care groups ... any community-minded group can be the recipient of the co-funding.”