Imaging the South has donated funds for the purchase of a defibrillator unit for the Leschenault Leisure Centre

This is part of a St John of God Hospital, Bunbury initiative to help raise the issue of sudden cardiac arrest in the region.  The project encourages public and business donations to help install an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) in every sporting and recreation centre in the Greater Bunbury region and eventually the South West.

“The visibility of AEDs in local Sports and recreation centres raises people’s awareness of what to do in the event of a cardiac arrest and provides medical equipment that can save lives.” said Mr Mark Grime, Chief Executive Officer, St John of God Hospital, Bunbury.

Imaging the South is delighted to be part of this program as part of its ongoing commitment to health in rural and remote communities. The company also supports the Go Red for Women campaign and donating this unit into a centre widely used by women first in well with the theme of women and heart disease.

The donation was made during National Heart Foundation’s Heart Week. Two out of three Australian families are affected by heart disease so the Heart Foundation is using Heart Week 2008 to urge parents and carers to get active with their children. The $3000 lifesaving machines are foolproof electronic devices which can reverse sudden cardiac arrest and greatly improve the chance of survival if immediately accessible.

To date, the program has provided machines to the South West Sports Centre – donated from the SJGH Bunbury, and the Eaton Recreation Centre – donated from South West Personnel. AEDs are commonplace in other countries where people gather in numbers including transport centres, shopping centres and places where many middle aged men work. 

Pictured are (from left) Mr Dave Goodwin from the Leschenault Leisure Centre, Mr Mark Grime, CEO of St. John of God, Bunbury, Angela Whittington, CEO Imaging the South and Mr. Michael Parker, CEO od the Shire of Harvey