In October last year, the town began the Heart Safe Communities program, a year-long, community-driven initiative delivered by Ambulance Victoria and the Heart Foundation.
The program equips towns across Victoria with the skills and resources they need to save a life from cardiac arrest, through community training and the installation of accessible AEDs.
On Wednesday, May 6, a new heart-starting device was unveiled in a central part of Nagambie — donated to the town by the organisations delivering the life-saving initiative.
Located on the outside wall opposite the entry of the Nagambie Mechanics Institute, at 268 High St, the AED is accessible 24/7.
Ambulance Victoria Nagambie Heart Safe community lead Neil McLeod said the devices made a clear, life-saving difference.
“The latest Ambulance Victoria data shows that when cardiac arrest patients are shocked by a public AED before paramedics arrive, an incredible 63 per cent survive,” he said.
“This is compared to just seven per cent when there was no bystander CPR or AED use.
“Anyone can use an AED — you don’t need official training. If someone is in cardiac arrest and an AED is available, simply open it and follow the instructions. You could save a life.”
AEDs work by shocking a person’s heart back into normal function during cardiac arrest, which occurs when the individual’s heart suddenly stops pumping blood effectively around the body.
“Every minute matters in a cardiac arrest, and bystander intervention has the biggest impact on the chance of survival,” Mr McLeod said.
“Heart Safe Communities is all about teaching Victorians that anyone can help save a life — simply follow the three steps, Call (Triple Zero); Push — hard and fast on the middle of the chest to give CPR; and Shock — use an AED if available.”
In the 2024-25 period, there were 7550 out-of-hospital cardiac arrest patients across Victoria, and 152 of these received a shock from a public AED — the highest number on record.
Heart Foundation Victoria general manager Chris Enright said the program aimed to increase survival outcomes in rural areas.
“We are proud to support Ambulance Victoria to deliver the Heart Safe Communities program,” he said.
“This partnership helps ensure more Victorian communities have the life-saving tools and training they need to act fast in an emergency.”
Almost 11,000 AEDs are currently active and registered with Ambulance Victoria’s AED registry, with 8000 publicly accessible.
The new AED in Nagambie increases the number of locally registered devices to 16.
The town is one of 12 Victorian communities completing the program, and 54 other towns have previously graduated as Heart Safe Communities.
“We encourage all Victorians to know where their nearest AED is located and for businesses, shop owners and sports clubs to ensure their AEDs are in date (battery and pads), are publicly accessible and registered with up-to-date details with Ambulance Victoria,” Mr McLeod said.
To find a registered AED, visit ambulance.vic.gov.au/find-aed
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