The towns of Condobolin, Tottenham, Narromine, Gilgandra, Lake Cargelligo, Walgett, Cobar and Nyngan are a heart beat ahead of the rest of the region following successful grant applications awarding defibrillator machines to organisations in the selected towns.

New funding has given 200 life-saving defibrillators to sporting and recreation organisations across the state and according to NSW Premier Chris Minns it’s a matter of life and death.

“Access to one of these defibrillators can be the difference between life and death for thousands of people across NSW who suffer cardiac arrests each year – which is what makes this so important,” he said.

“We’re making sure that areas that have been neglected for far too long, also have access to these life saving devices,” said Premier Minns.

 Around 80 per cent of the defibrillators awarded went to regional and remote communities, where emergency and medical services are further apart and the need is greater.

“The new defibrillators detect and analyse a person’s heart activity, and if needed, deliver an electric shock through the chest to the heart. The grant program includes installation and training for the new automated machines.”

Nyngan Little Athletics are excited to receive funding - Image courtesy Nyngan Athletics Group

Nyngan Little Athletics President Sophie Doughty says the club is very happy to have a new machine on hand.

“Ensuring the safety of competitors, volunteers and spectators is paramount, in case of sudden cardiac arrest, immediate defibrillation can significantly increase survival rates, providing critical, life-saving support during emergencies,” she said.

“This will enhance safety, reduce response times, and potentially save lives in case of cardiac events,” she added.

With so many competing young and old a new defibrillator will be an asset to Tottenham Horse Sports Gymkhana committee - Image courtesy Tottenham Horse Sports Gymkhana

Tottenham Horse Sports Gymkhana committee were also awarded a grant and say it is important to do everything to keep everyone safe.

“The racecourse is approximately 4 kilometres from the local hospital and ambulance station. An onsite automated external defibrillator will be life saving for any of the Gymkhana patrons, Picnic Race attendees, Pony Club or Moto-cross families.”

Cobar Junior Rugby League kids hard at work - image courtesy Cobar Junior Rugby League

Cobar Roosters Junior Rugby League Football club were pleased to be informed about receiving the new equipment.

CJRL events are well attended by the local community and visiting teams from across Western NSW, according to a Club spokesperson.

“First Aiders require access to a defibrillator to respond appropriately to an emergency. Patrons will benefit from early initiation of treatment while awaiting Ambulance response.

"Our Club First Aiders will be orientated to the new equipment for maximum success.”

“The Local Sport Defibrillator Grant Program equips sports clubs to be able to respond to potentially life-threatening emergencies at their sports facilities,” according to Minister for Sport Steve Kamper.

“The first few minutes following out-of-hospital cardiac arrest are critical, that is why the NSW Government is ensuring people participating in sport activities have access to potentially life-saving equipment.

“This investment by the NSW Government has the potential to mean the difference between life and death.”

Co-deputy Director of the Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute Professor Jamie Vandenberg

Around 10,000 people in NSW suffer a cardiac arrest outside of hospital each year, and currently the vast majority will die, according to Co-deputy Director of the Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute Professor Jamie Vandenberg.

“Being able to access a defibrillator in those crucial first minutes can make all the difference, so it’s incredibly heartening to see that almost 200 sporting clubs will now be able to purchase and install these lifesaving devices. This will help keep families together.

“This is a sobering statistic but it’s one we can change for the better by installing more of these lifesaving devices in sports clubs across the State.”