Mental health service headspace is showing a concern for hearts as well, installing a defibrillator at its Bundaberg CBD office.
The automated external defibrillator (AED) is located inside the front door at headspace’s office at 66 Woongarra Street and can be used by anyone to help another person suffering cardiac arrest.
The AED is a small, portable device designed to deliver a controlled electrical shock to a person experiencing cardiac arrest and must be used in conjunction with CPR.
Dean Hyland, centre manager at headspace Bundaberg and a registered nurse, knows how important an automated external defibrillator (AED) can be in an emergency.
“Outside of hospital, more than 33,000 people experience cardiac arrest in Australia every year – that’s a lot of people,” he said.
“And with every minute that passes, their chance of survival decreases. Quick action could save a life and, with an AED that is easily accessible, it can make a big difference.
“While headspace’s core service looks after young people aged 12 to 25 years, it is also important to us to support all of the community.”
Dr Adeel Khan, who attends the office twice a week as headspace Bundaberg’s general practitioner, said housing a defibrillator was a wonderful addition to the site.
“An AED can really make a difference in an emergency situation,” Dr Khan said. “It is great we have access to one at headspace and that the community can use if ever the need arose.”
Dean said there were experienced people in the headspace centre who could help if required but added that a defibrillator could be used by anyone.
“You cannot hurt someone by using a defibrillator as it will only shock a person who is actually in cardiac arrest, and it talks (the user) through all the steps,” he said.
“If you stay calm and listen, you will be helping the person until an ambulance arrives.”
The AED cabinet, fitted inside the main entry door at headspace, will issue an alarm when its door has been opened.
Headspace is the National Youth Mental Health Foundation providing early intervention mental health services to Australians aged 12-25 years.
Each year, headspace helps thousands of young people access vital support through centres in 124 communities throughout Australia, and its online, phone counselling and vocational services, and its presence in schools.
Headspace helps young people with mental and physical health (including sexual health) and provides alcohol and other drug services and work and study support.
Headspace’s Bundaberg office is open Monday and Wednesday 8.30am to 8pm and Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday from 8.30am to 4.30pm.
For more information visit the headspace website.
More community news: IMPACT welcomes two new directors to board
