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2 Lives saved by St John during AFL Round 11

St John Ambulance Australia (Victoria) saved the lives of 2 Victorian's over the weekend during AFL games.

On Friday night at the start of the 1st quarter at Telstra Dome an 81 year old male suffered a Cardiac Arrest on Level 1, a doctor on the scene began performing CPR and was assisted by St John First Aid volunteers administering oxygen. The gentleman was provided with defibrillation and continued CPR until the ambulance arrived and was revived on the way to hospital.

Secondly a 50 year old male suffered a Cardiac Arrest at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) just before the end of the blockbuster between Melbourne and Collingwood on Monday. The gentleman was revived by St John First Aid Volunteers with the use of a St John defibrillator before the ambulance arrived.

Stephen Horton, Chief Executive Officer of St John said today "The efforts of our volunteers are to be commended, every weekend St John volunteers attend events all over Victoria and put in tireless hours for the benefit of the Victorian community"

The use of a St John defibrillator was crucial in the resuscitation of both individuals. These devices have come a long way over the years and have become common place in the workplace and more recently in the home, Mr Horton said.

Cardiac Arrest strikes over 30,000 Australians every year and remains the leading cause of death in Australian society, St John defibrillators are compact units that are easy to use as the unit coaches anyone through the critical steps of defibrillation and CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation) until medical aid arrives.

In First Aid Emergencies MINUTES MATTER and everyone should be prepared to assist others in a time of need. That is why St John provides First Aid Training to prepare individuals to be able to act when needed.

Further details can be obtained by telephone on 1300 360 455.

For further information:

Stephen Horton
Chief Executive Officer
St John Ambulance Australia (Victoria)
Telephone: 03 8588 8395

Kristian Tkatchenko
Marketing Manager
St John Ambulance Australia (Victoria)
Telephone: 03 8588 8322
Mobile: 0434 565 422