Supermarket rolls out emergency kits

Visitors to South West Woolworths stores can now shop with peace of mind that access to a defibrillator is at their fingertips.

The supermarket has rolled out Automated External Defibrillators across the region to help in the event of sudden cardiac arrest.

The defibrillators are designed to be used by anyone, with clear step-by-step voice instructions that can guide members of the public through the process.

Woolworths South West group manager David Lannary said the supermarket chain was proud to provide something that could help save a life.

“We are pleased to have a defibrillator installed in our stores which everyone can have access to,” Mr Lannary said.

“You never know when a sudden cardiac arrest might strike and in the unfortunate event that it does, having the local community able to access this treatment could help to save lives.

“The best medical advice tells us that access to an AED early on can greatly increase the chance of survival.”

A defibrillator is now available at Woolworths at Bunbury Forum, Bunbury Plaza and Eaton Fair along with supermarkets in Collie, Dalyellup and Treendale.

The project roll out is thanks to a partnership between Winc and Integrity Health & Safety.

Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute deputy executive director Professor Jamie Vandenberg said statistics showed sudden cardiac arrests were usually fatal if action was not taken immediately and access to a defibrillator could mean the difference between saving or losing a life.