Community
27 March, 2026
New defib makes 12 for Koroit
KOROIT has taken another step towards becoming Heart Safe, with Ambulance Victoria (AV) donating a new publicly accessible automated external defibrillator (AED) to Moyne Shire Council.
The new heart-starting device has been installed at the Blackwood Centre in Commercial Road to be used by locals or visitors in the case of a cardiac arrest.
It has been donated as part of AV and the Heart Foundation’s ‘Heart Safe Communities’ initiative, which equips communities across Victoria with the skills and resources to help save a life from cardiac arrest.
A cardiac arrest occurs when a person’s heart suddenly stops pumping blood effectively around the body and an AED can be used to attempt to shock the patient’s heart back into normal function.
AV paramedic Tara-lee Boyce said AEDs make 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. This is compared to just seven per cent when there was no bystander CPR or AED use,” she said.
“Heart Safe Communities is all about teaching Victorians that anyone can help save a life – simply follow the three steps: Call (call Triple Zero (000)), Push (push hard and fast on the middle of the chest to give CPR) and Shock (use an AED if available).”
She said anyone can use an AED.
If someone is in cardiac arrest and an AED is available, simply open it and follow the instructions.
Moyne Shire Council mayor Cr Jordan Lockett welcomed the addition of the new heart starter.
“AEDs are life-saving devices, and it’s incredibly important to have them accessible in the places where our community lives, works and gathers,” he said.
“Moyne Shire is very grateful to Ambulance Victoria for this generous donation, which will help keep our community safer.”
Koroit is one of 12 Victorian towns currently completing the Heart Safe Communities program.
Heart Foundation Victoria General Manager Chris Enright said the program was making a real difference.
“We are proud to support Ambulance Victoria to deliver the Heart Safe Communities program, ensuring more communities have the life-saving tools and training they need to act fast in an emergency,” she said.
“We encourage everyone to know where their nearest AED is located and for businesses, shop owners and sports clubs to ensure their AEDs are made publicly accessible and registered with up-to-date details.”
The new AED will boost the number of AEDs in Koroit to 12, five of them accessible 24/7.
