By Jed Lanyon
Chum Creek Primary School has been raising funds to purchase a defibrillator that will be readily available for public use.
Currently, the closest public defibrillator is located a ten minute drive away in Healesville. But one student, Lily, says that taking action within the first five minutes for an adult who is experiencing cardiac arrest is critical to their survival.
“The ambulance is going to be an hour or an hour and a half away and they could die,” she said.
The Chum Creek student is spearheading the campaign to see a defibrillator housed in her primary school and has even contributed a portion of her own pocket money to the cause.
When Lily and her brother Tom started collecting money to go towards the school’s defibrillator, their parents said they would match it. Together they have now raised over $200 towards the cause.
But teacher Ann Hosking said that they were hoping to continue the fundraising efforts after hosting gold coin donation days, sausage sizzles and school markets.
“We are still probably a thousand dollars short at the moment and we would love to get it sooner rather than later,” she said.
“The teachers have all been doing their first aid courses on a regular basis and every time the presenter notes that there is no defibrillator out here.”
Ms Hosking said that the school had struggled to receive a grant to fund the defibrillator, which would benefit the wider Chum Creek community. The school is now hoping to purchase a defibrillator from a local supplier, who is offering a significant discount for a limited time.
Ms Hosking said those in need would be given a four digit passcode upon calling triple zero, which can then be used to open a cabinet securing the defibrillator.
She said that way it can be accessible at any given time outside the front of the school.
Lily has been doorknocking in the neighbourhood to ask locals for their support, offering fresh fruit and vegetables to those who are kind enough to help out.
“We’ve got a heap of elderly people who live in the area. I find it better that they could feel reassured that there is something near them.”
Lily said she even occasionally helps her elderly neighbours when one of them goes away.
“A few times Linda has been away and Graham hasn’t picked up his phone for a long time, so she asks us to go down and check on him.”
Junior school council captain Willem has been renting his old video games to other students to help raise funds.
“Come help out, it’s for a good cause,” he said.
To donate to Chum Creek Primary School’s defibrillator drive, contact 5962 5391 or chum.creek.ps@edumail.vic.gov.au.
