A new Automated External Defibrillator (AED) is now available for emergency use on the outside of the Tambo Primary Health Centre.
The defibrillator is a life-saving medical device that can be used to restore a normal heart rhythm during sudden cardiac arrest by delivering an electric shock to the heart.
Tambo PHC Director of Nursing Terry Lochrin said the new AED was designed for public use in the case of an emergency.
The AED can detect life-threatening, irregular heart rhythms and then use electricity to "reset" the heart.
“The AED is safe to use by anyone,’’ Mr Lochrin said.
“The device provides easy to follow voice prompts to guide users and will only deliver a shock if necessary.
“Using an AED, particularly within the first 3–5 minutes of cardiac arrest, significantly increases survival rates.’’
Mr Lochrin said the AED could detect life-threatening, irregular heart rhythms and use electricity to "reset" the heart.
“In an emergency, you should always call triple 000 first or use the blue phone at the front of the clinic to call for help whilst using the AED.
“But if someone goes into cardiac arrest suddenly before help arrives, using the AED will help save their life and people should not hesitate to use it.’’