Flinders Shire Council expands life-saving defibrillator network across the region

Flinders Shire Council, in partnership with the Queensland Ambulance Service (QAS), has installed new automated external defibrillators (AEDs) in key public locations across the Shire, further strengthening life-saving capabilities in the region.

The latest AEDs have been placed at the Diggers Entertainment Centre (Brodie Street), Hughenden Caravan Park, Hughenden Centre for the Aged (Betts Street), and Torrens Creek Pub, adding to the existing devices at the Flinders Shire Library, Community Gym, and Prairie Pub.

Flinders Shire Mayor Kate Peddle, who has a personal connection to the importance of AEDs, welcomed the initiative.

"After losing my father to a sudden heart attack in 2011, I have come to truly understand the critical importance of having defibrillators readily available,” said Mayor Peddle.

“While CPR was our only option at the time, a defibrillator could have been the difference between life and death.

“I am grateful to our council for recognising the life-saving potential of these devices.

“Though I hope they are never needed, their presence could save lives, including potentially your own.

“I also encourage everyone to refresh their first-aid skills; it's never too late to learn and make a difference."

Queensland Ambulance Service (QAS) spokesperson Kate Verkroost reinforced that AEDs are simple to use and can be operated by anyone in an emergency.

"You do not need a first aid qualification to perform CPR or use an AED,” she said.

“Once activated, AEDs provide step-by-step instructions, and our emergency medical call takers will guide bystanders through CPR while help is on the way.

“Every minute counts in a cardiac arrest, and a spare bystander may be able to retrieve a community AED while waiting for paramedics to arrive."

The Queensland Ambulance Service has implemented a Cardiac Improvement Plan, aiming to increase bystander CPR and AED use across the state.

The Hughenden Local Ambulance Committee and local paramedics are offering free training sessions for community members who want to learn or refresh these life-saving skills.

A full list of AED locations in Flinders Shire is available below, with devices placed in Hughenden, Prairie, Torrens Creek, and Stamford.

The QAS communications centre also maintains a detailed list of AED locations to assist in emergencies.

Flinders Shire AED locations:

Hughenden

• Freemasons, 43 Gray Street (Inside)
• Hughenden QPS, 65 Brodie Street (Inside)
• Hughenden Community Gym, Resolution Drive (Inside)
• Hughenden Caravan Park, Resolution Drive (Outside)
• Flinders Council Office, 41 Gray Street (Inside)
• Flinders Discovery Centre, 37 Gray Street (Inside)
• Hughenden Pool, Resolution Drive (Inside)
• Diggers Entertainment Centre, Brodie Street (Outside)
• Hughenden Centre for the Aged, Betts Street (Outside)

Prairie

• Prairie Pub (Inside)

Torrens Creek:

• Torrens Creek Pub (Inside)

Stamford:

• Stamford Sports Club (Inside)

For more information or to participate in free CPR and AED training, residents are encouraged to contact the Hughenden Local Ambulance Committee.