Michelle Slater
A NEW publicly available automated external defibrillator has been installed in the Yinnar main street for locals to use in an emergency.
The new defib is on a wall between the town’s general store and post office, and is decked out with an alarm in case it gets activated.
Yinnar mum Kylie Stanistreet coined the idea for a town defib that could be accessible all hours after her son River had undergone two major heart operations.
Ms Stanistreet said River was diagnosed with cardio myopathy just after his first birthday and was sent home with a portable defibrillator after his first operation.
“Although we have our own portable AED, we make a note everywhere we go where there is one available,” she said.
“I noticed there were none in Yinnar that could be accessed 24/7, so through lockdown last year I began organising one.”
Yinnar already had AED units at the town CFA shed, bowls club, recreation reserve and
memorial hall, but these are only accessible when the buildings are open.
Ms Stanistreet worked alongside the Yinnar and District Community Association to organise
a $3000 grant courtesy of the Mirboo North Community Bank to purchase a unit.
YDCA secretary Kev Young said they hoped to organise a community AED training session
and CRP course to let locals learn how to use the new device.
