Rotary helping save lives

WONTHAGGI Rotary has donated more than $65,000 to purchase three CorPuls machines for Ambulance Victoria’s Grantville Branch, Wonthaggi MICA SRU Branch and Wonthaggi Branch.

The machines are expected to arrive in the coming months, and there will be approximately $9000 remaining following the purchase of the three machines. 

This will allow AV to purchase new equipment in the future.

Rotary Club of Wonthaggi president Ray McCurry said the club was pleased to purchase the machines and help the community.

He added Rotary had raised $6000 by hosting a ‘Hand on Heart’ ball, which will become an annual fundraiser, as well as rattling tins for Bass Coast Shire Councillor, Brett Tessari, who ran 10km. 

A public demonstration at Wonthaggi Plaza earlier this year had also inspired the community with live demonstrations of CPR and a CorPuls machine.

“When we had the demonstration, everyone was truly amazed at what these machines can do,” Ray said.

“The fundraisers started with a conversation and now we’re going to do them on-going.

“We’re so glad we’ve been able to do this and we’re going to continue to do as much as we can to support the local ambulance service. 

“That’s the purpose of Rotary; we’re a not-for-profit and everything we do is to give back to the community.”

Duncan Roney, MICA SRU Paramedic and Acting Area Manager – Gippsland 1, said the CorPuls machines will assist crews when responding to cardiac arrests. 

“In cardiac arrest cases every second can count, and these machines will help our crews provide the best possible care to our local communities,” he said. 

“The Corpuls devices are just one part of the amazing care that Ambulance Victoria provides to our communities. 

“To improve our patient outcomes we also need our communities to help by calling early, becoming a GoodSAM responder, performing early CPR and early defibrillation with an AED before our crews arrive. 

“Our local paramedics are so humbled by the huge effort by Wonthaggi Rotary and our local communities in raising such a large donation. 

“The purchase of these Corpuls devices will assist our paramedics and patients.”