The access to Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) in and around Lismore improved by nine (9) this week thanks to the Rotary Club of Summerland Sunrise.

AEDs are used to help those experiencing sudden cardiac arrest. They are described as sophisticated yet easy-to-use medical devices that can analyse the heart's rhythm and, if necessary, deliver an electrical shock or defibrillation to help the heart re-establish an effective rhythm.

The Rotary Club of Summerland Sunrise in Lismore received enough funding for 10 AEDs to install in businesses in Lismore; however, the tenth has been allocated to the Lismore Library and will be installed when it reopens.

Over the last week, the following businesses had an AED installed:

• The Red Dove Café
• The Winsome Hotel
• The Lismore Croquet Club
• Northern Rivers Community Gateway
• Resilient Lismore
• F-Fitness East Lismore
• Blooms Pharmacy on Wyrallah Road, East Lismore
• Chempro Woodlark Street
• Lifeline Shop on Magellan Street

A Summerland Sunrise Rotary Club spokesperson said each business will receive training in the use of the AEDs through Workforce Skills and Training.

"These AED donations have been made available to the community through the generous support of Bendigo Bank Community Fund, Cisco Systems, and with help from St Johns Ambulance and local fundraising by the Rotary Club of Summerland Sunrise."

The goal is to raise more money so more AEDs can be made available to more businesses throughout the Lismore LGA so that immediate help is close by if someone suffers a cardiac arrest.

The Heart Foundation says that every year in Australia, more than 26,000 people have a cardiac arrest out of hospital, and only about 10% of these people survive.

Summerland Sunrise Rotary has set up a ‘Return and Earn’ donation option at local recycling centres to raise more funds. They are calling for help from the people of Lismore to support this project.

"Fundraising is ongoing as many more defibs are needed. The community is encouraged to register with ‘Return and Earn’ online, choose 'Defibrillator for Red Dove' project, and then simply scan your unique QR code at the “Return and Earn” machine when returning cans and bottles," said the Club spokesperson.

More information about this project is available at the Summerland Sunrise Facebook page or by emailing [email protected].

"We would like to do more if we can, but each unit has an average cost of $2,000, so we really need the community's help to raise more funds."