Ampol has installed public access defibrillators in the Sydney suburb of Kurnell.
This forms part of the ‘Heart Start Kurnell’ program which is aimed at building a safer and better-prepared local community.
Two defibrillators have been installed and positioned to be easily accessible at the front of Kurnell Post Office and the whale watching platform at Cape Solander in the Kamay Botany Bay National Park.
The initiative is in response to a medical emergency in April, where local resident Mike Nelson’s life was saved through the use of a defibrillator and CPR.
“I’m really grateful Ampol have taken these important steps to educate the community on the importance of CPR and defibrillator use,” says Mr Nelson.
“You never know when it might come in handy. I’m living proof.”
As part of the program, Ampol, in partnership with St John Ambulance NSW, has also conducted fully subsidised CPR training courses throughout June to further equip Kurnell residents with both the tools and knowledge required to act quickly in a medical emergency.
Ampol Community Engagement Manager Daniel Scully led the effort to save Mr Nelson’s life and has been the catalyst behind the program.
“The ‘Heart Start Kurnell’ program is about empowering the Kurnell community to respond in those critical first moments during a medical emergency,” he says.
“Knowing how to administer CPR and apply a defibrillator can potentially save someone’s life. It’s truly a humbling experience providing assistance in a life and death situation.
“Our goal is to provide ready access to potentially life-saving equipment and empower as many community members as possible to feel confident in their ability to help save a life when it matters most.”
