By Tate Papworth
Some of Brimbank’s biggest supermarkets will soon be fitted with life-saving machinery.
Coles and selected Woolworths stores are set to unveil Automated External Defibrillators (AED) to provide rapid care to customers or staff having a sudden cardiac arrest.
The roll-out across Coles stores is the byproduct of a partnership between the supermarket chain and the Heart Foundation.
Coles director of safety David Brewster said staff would be trained to use the equipment.
“By having defibrillators available for our customers and team members, we will be even more able to provide help that has been shown to increase the chances of survival for people who suffer a sudden cardiac arrest,” he said.
“All our first-aid team members will be trained in the use of the AED … we have chosen an easy-to-use device that includes audio and visual instructions.”
The announcement follows a move by Woolworths to introduce an AED to its Caroline Springs store last month.
Group manager Alain Gradidge said he was pleased with the move.
“Having the local community able to access this treatment, could help to save lives,” Mr Gradidge said.
“The best medical advice tells us that access to an AED early on can greatly increase the chance of survival.”
