On 16 October, SERVICE ONE Mutual Ltd proudly launched the StreetBeat initiative aimed at making AEDs publicly available 24/7 across the ACT, unveiling the first device outside their offices in Deakin. The organisation is aiming to install an AED in each of the 120 suburbs in the Canberra area, supporting its vision of giving back to the community.
‘We believe every street in Australia should have an AED, as without one the chance of survival from cardiac arrest drops dramatically after 5 minutes,’ said Ivan Slavich, CEO of the Mutual. ‘We’re going to start with one in every suburb and build from there. The Mutual exists to enhance the lives of the communities in which we operate. StreetBeat is a great example of how we make a positive difference, using local money for local people’.
Under the StreetBeat initiative, local communities are invited to raise $2,500 to install an AED in their suburb. The Mutual will cover the cost and installation of a bespoke, weatherproof cabinet to house the AEDs, sourced through their partner organisation, St John Ambulance.
‘To kick-start the campaign, we’re challenging fundraisers to complete at least 10 minutes of physical activity each day throughout November and record their efforts on the website. In the first week of the campaign, any contributions of up to $100 will be dollar matched by Community Bank Canberra and Regions (Bendigo Bank) up to the value of $10,000 helping them quickly reach their $2500 target’.
Ivan was joined at the launch by members of St John Ambulance ACT, including Val Dempsey, 2022 Senior Australian of the Year. Also supporting the campaign was Dr Kashif Kalam, a cardiologist from Heart of Canberra. ‘These really are life-saving devices’, he said, ‘If you have an AED, and the person can be shocked, they are back to normal. They will literally get up then and there – it’s amazing’.
Started in Europe and now an international event, Restart a Heart Day takes place on 16 October every year. This global initiative aims to raise awareness and educate the community about CPRs and AEDs. They use a simple message to remind bystanders what to do if someone near them has a cardiac arrest:
CALL (Emergency Services) PUSH (commence CPR) SHOCK (use an AED)
