Orange City Council adds AEDs to all of its early childhood facilities

Orange City Council has installed automated external defibrillators (AEDs) at all of its early childhood education and care (ECEC) facilities in a bid to increase survival rates in the event of a cardiac arrest at one of the centres.

AEDs have been fitted at the Courallie Park, Spring Street and Yarrawong preschool and early education centres, Occasional Care Cottage in Kite Street and out of school hours care at Calare and Orange public schools, at a cost of $1,800 each.

“Hundreds of children come through the doors of Council’s childcare facilities each week, not to mention the many staff, parents, grandparents and carers who attend the centres as well,” said Cr Mel McDonell, Orange City Council’s Services Policy Committee Chair.

“Having AEDs at these centres provides the peace of mind that we have the tools to give someone the best chance of survival.”

All of Orange City Council’s educators have first aid certificates and have been trained in the use of AEDs and performing CPR, however, the AEDs are designed to be used by anyone in an emergency situation.

Orange City Council has been working with the Heart of the Nation charity to boost the number of AEDs in the city, and awareness of their locations, after the Council supported a Notice of Motion by Cr Jeff Whitton in October. Cr Whitton welcomed the addition of the six new AEDs.

“Using an AED has been shown to improve the outcomes for someone suffering a cardiac arrest. I’m pleased there are now six more of these life saving devices in the city,” Cr Whitton said.

The new AEDs will be added to the State Government’s NSW AED Register, and the Heart of the Nation network.