Mulwala has its first 24-hour access defibrillator after residents of Riverland Gardens estate banded together to make the $2500 purchase.
Veterinary nurse Pauline Pepper said a recent call for an ambulance from the estate saw paramedics advise on finding the nearest machine.
While there are numerous defibrillators across the town – including at clubs, the pioneer museum and sporting venues – the nearest 24-hour machine is across the bridge in Yarrawonga – outside Yarrawonga News and Gifts.
“That’s a 15-minute drive for a defibrillator so after that incident we put out the call among residents, and the response was really good,” Ms Pepper said.
“We had about 10 residents chip in to make the purchase; we got approval for the location from council and the machine is on the NSW defibrillator register.”
“Having it really gives you peace of mind, there are lots of swimming pools in the estate and quite a few elderly people as well,” Ms Pepper said.
“You never know when you might need it.
“But we really want people to be aware that this is available for everyone, not just those in the estate.”
The defibrillator is located in the bus shelter at the Kingfisher Drive entrance to Riverland Gardens, just off Tocumwal Road.
Ms Pepper said the defibrillator was dual use – meaning it was suitable for both paediatric (children’s) use and adults.
“It’s easily accessible and we hope it will be a real asset for the estate and the town,” she said.
NSW Health says anybody can use a defibrillator, which delivers a shock to start the heart, with the machines including verbal and visual guides.