Grants to warm the heart

Each year as many as 7000 people in NSW have a heart attack when they’re least expecting it, which is worth thinking about as the state government opens its coffers with $1million of funding for defibrillators for local sports groups.

“Medical experts say the first eight minutes following a cardiac arrest are critical and that early access to CPR and a defibrillator is essential to increasing a patient’s likelihood of survival,” said Acting Minister for Sport, Geoff Lee in announcing the grants.

“The NSW Government is encouraging sports clubs and councils to take advantage of this life-saving program.”

Several sports grounds across the Hawkesbury have defibrillators on site, prime example is McMahon’s Park sports field at Kurrajong, but many clubs, grounds and other sporting venues do not have the potentially life-saving devices.

Hawkesbury MP, Robyn Preston, is encouraging groups to apply for a share of the grant.

“Sport and recreation are the lifeblood of the Hawkesbury community,” Ms Preston said. “With more and more people remaining active at an older age, early access to a defibrillator could mean the difference between life and death in the event of a cardiac arrest.

“That’s why it’s crucial our clubs and councils are equipped to respond to these life-threatening emergencies.”

The program is open from 3 September 2020 until 12 April 2021. For more information: https://sport.nsw.gov.au/clubs/grants/defibrillator

Pic by Designecologist