Automatic external defibrillators
Around Shoreham there are four publicly accessible defibrillators, known as AEDs, for our community use.
If you see someone in who is having sudden cardiac arrest first call 000 and then get the AED closest to that person and follow the prompts.
They are designed for untrained bystanders to use.
You could be a life saver.
Where to find the AEDs
1. The Tennis Club on Cliff Road
The Bendigo Community Bank has kindly donated a further $2,000 to replace our first defibrillator with a new one along with signage, accessories and a cabinet. In all the Community Bank Balnarring & District has donated $11,609 to the SCA to help our community.
2. Shoreham Post Office and General Store at 57 Byrnes Road
Located just left of the post boxes this AED was donated by a generous local who wishes to remain anonymous. The Shoreham community is very grateful.
3. Telstra property on Nelson Street near Annie’s Court Nursing Home
Near the intersection of Frankston Flinders Road and Nelson Street, this AED is located just right of the driveway in a stand alone protective box and is well lit at night Our thanks to TELSTRA for generously allowing us to use their site.
4. The beach track at the intersection of Viewbank Street and Lexington Avenue
This is where the fire track leads from the road reserve down to the beach . We hope this will not only provide emergency assistance to the residents of the Coryule Estate, but also all the visitors, surfers and tourists using the beaches near 1st reef and Honeysuckle. Bollards have been placed in front of the unit to prevent damaging vehicle disturbance and blockage of visibility and location.
The unit was generously provided by the Mornington Peninsula Shire (MPS) and we thank Andrew Joseph, the Community Resilience and Emergency Management team leader, for overseeing its installation
How to use the AED
These devices are portable, easy to use, voice prompted and specifically designed to help untrained rescuers support someone who is experiencing a loss of consciousness or unstable heart rhythms. They are semi automatic which means that they will “not give a shock” unless necessary. Once attached to a person with adhesive electrodes, the AED checks for shockable rhythms and will verbally guide the user when to shock. Prompt sheets are with the AED to help you .
The AED will instruct the user to call 000 immediately and then begin CPR ( cardio-pulmonary resuscitation). The AED will check the rate of compressions and verbally advise the rescuer how to safety check and proceed until help from Ambulance Victoria arrives. While awaiting the arrival of an ambulance, Ambulance Victoria will remain on the phone to support you. It can also direct you to your nearest AED if you don’t know where they are, as all of our AEDs are recorded on its system.
If used with CPR within 3-5 minutes of collapse survival rates from cardiac arrest rise considerably .
According to the VACAR Annual Report 2024-2025, Ambulance Victoria currently has a 44% out of hospital cardiac arrest survival rate-the best in Australia; it is second best in the world after Denmark which has a 50.2% survival rate. In part this is due to community awareness and willingness to help.All four sites are well lit at night and are available 24 hours a day. All have parking access and clear signage. Each AED is in its own easy carry pack .
If you wish to learn more about how to use one so that you are prepared for any emergencies, please email the SCA at Shorehamcommunity@gmail.com. or directly contact A.V on their website ambulance.vic.gov.au
Funding and maintenance of Shoreham’s AEDs
Ongoing monitoring and maintenance of AEDs is essential. The SCA has assumed this important task and has lobbied the MPS to undertake this work.
With four units to maintain and check regularly, this is a large and ongoing responsibility and expense for the SCA . Batteries and electrodes require regular replacement.
This is currently funded by our generous SCA members with their annual contributions and by sponsors such as MPS. and Community Bendigo Bank . We thank you all for your generosity.
If you call 000 Ambulance Victoria will replace the used electrodes with brand new ones for the next emergency.
Remember always to call 000 first