As part of a partnership with the Heart Foundation, Coles has rolled out Automated External Defibrillator (AED) devices to more than 820 Coles stores around Australia, including Lithgow.
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This is the first time the Lithgow store will have its own AED on site. The external defibrillator is located at the front of the store near the customer service desk for easy access.
A minimum of five team members at each store have been trained and accredited in first aid by St John Ambulance Australia.
"The head of each department has been trained, as well as our first aid officers and we have plans for every staff member to be trained as well," Lithgow Coles manager Brooke Kinsela said.
The introduction of an AED at the Coles store means customers and the surrounding community will be safer, as the devices will also be available to neighbouring retailers and businesses to use in the event of an emergency.
"It is good for our community and our customers' peace of mind," Mr Kinsela said.
According to Mr Kinsela every Coles store in Australia will have an AED by the end of August.
Coles is supporting the Heart Foundation in its efforts to encourage more Australians to have a Health Heart Check with their doctor.
The Heart Foundation's Group CEO, Adjunct Professor John Kelly, congratulated Coles for taking an active role in protecting the heart health of Australians.
"Coles will make AEDs more accessible so they can be deployed quickly in an emergency, which will save lives," Professor Kelly said.
Coles director of safety David Brewster said the safety of customers and team members was a top priority at Coles.
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"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.
"We have chosen an easy-to-use device that includes audio and visual instructions so that just about anyone can use it in the case of an emergency."
Red Cross state training manager Craig King said 30,000 cardiac arrests occur in Australia every year.
"From the onset of a cardiac arrest the sufferer will lose 10 per cent chance of surviving for every 60 second delay in using a defibrillator," he said.
Mr King said people in regional areas can be more at risk during a cardiac arrest due to distance.
How does a defibrillator work?
In the event of a cardiac arrest a defibrillator will convert the heart back into a normal rhythm.
"As soon as you turn the machine on it'll give you verbal prompts in very simple language," Mr King said.
"They're designed to be used by bystanders.
"It's not only important to have the defibrillator, it's important to have the training behind you as well."
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