Businesses big and small can play a part in saving lives

Defibrillators save lives. It is as simple as that.

Every year 30,000 people die of cardiac arrests, but thousands of these deaths could be avoided if a defibrillator was at hand. Without a defibrillator you have a 6 per cent chance of surviving a cardiac arrest, with one it can be as high as 90 per cent.

Since the tragic death of a close friend, former Australian Iron Man Guy Leech has made it his mission in life to get defibrillators within 180 seconds of every Australian. And it was his campaign that sparked a local business to help extend that mantle of safety here in Orange.

“I saw the ad on TV with Guy Leech saying what had happened to his friend,” said Belinda King, from Central West Brakes and Clutch Service on Peisley Street.

“And I've known of a few people who have passed away due to heart attacks — not necessarily in that situation — but I just discussed it with Rod and said I think it is something that could be well worth putting into the business.”

Belinda approached their first aid kit supplier and they recommended and installed a suitable defibrillator for the business.

She contacted Orange City Life just to make people aware that they have the defibrillator available and to encourage other local businesses to invest in this life saving equipment.

“I feel it is a good thing to have. We want to let them know that small businesses can be a part of the solution, it doesn’t have to be the big businesses in town. Small business outside of the CBB and off the main drag can get involved in providing coverage,” she said.

“We have a lot of people walking past and a lot of customers in and out so now this is here if required. Hopefully that’s never!”

You can find out more about Guy Leech’s defibrillator campaign at heart180.com.au

Rod and Belinda King with the lifesaving defibrillator now at Central West Brakes and Clutch Service on Peisley Street.