SCHILLER Australia and Staying Alive Paramedical Services believe that more could be done to save lives of those impacted by cardiac arrest if public access defibrillators and appropriate training was provided to local sporting clubs and other places where crowds of people may gather.

In an effort to see this in action, representatives from SCHILLER Australia and Staying Alive Paramedical Services will travel to Silvan on March 22, to present Silvan Football Club which a much needed FRED Easy AED Online and provide the club with up to date first aid training.

“An immediate response to a cardiac arrest can be the difference between life and death.” notes SCHILLER Australia Managing Director, Harry Packer “CPR and defibrillation early triples a person’s chance of surviving.”
Sadly, 22 year old Vincent Bonanno was not given such a chance when he collapsed following a cardiac arrest during footy training at Silvan’s football ground, East of Melbourne over the weekend.

This need for immediate action action is why SCHILLER Australia and Staying Alive Paramedical Services have committed to donating their time and equipment to Silvan Football Club to ensure that if such an event occurs again the club and it’s players will be prepared and able to give their teammates the best chance of survival.

Tragically, sudden cardiac arrest among the young and fit are not uncommon during sporting events. A family in America also lost their 17 year old son whilst playing rugby near Denver in similar circumstances on the same weekend.

Staying Alive Manager and Intensive Care Paramedic, Craig Hazelwood reports that the chances of survival from sudden cardiac arrest decrease by approximately 10% for every minute that passes before defibrillation hence bystanders must take immediate action.
“The issue is that it is the first few minutes that are the key to surviving sudden cardiac arrest, before medical help arrives,” says Mr Packer.

Early defibrillation has been demonstrated to be the most effective method of saving a person’s life. New technology has made Automated External Defibrillator’s (AED’s) such as the one donated to Silvan Football Club simple and user-friendly. Clear audio and visual cues tell users what to do when using an AED and coach people through CPR. A shock is delivered only if the victim needs it.

If the Silvan football club had access to a defibrillator that can automatically deliver a precise electric shock to the heart to try to restore a normal heart rhythm, SCHILLER Australia and Staying Alive Paramedical Services believe Vincent’s chances of survival may have increased.

SCHILLER Australia and Staying Alive Paramedical Services would like to to offer their sincere condolences to the Bonanno family as well as members of Silvan Football club during this difficult time.