³Ô¹ÏÍøÕ¾

Local clubs are being urged to apply for funding for a defibrillator through the Marshall Government’s Active Club Program which opens today.

Young footballer Tyler Bennett, whose life was saved by a defibrillator when his collapsed on-field in May last year, has spearheaded the awareness campaign.

People at the ground administered first aid, including with the use of a defibrillator at the ground, before Tyler was rushed to hospital.

He was in a coma for two days but has fully recovered and has since returned to playing the game he loves.

Clubs who do not have an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) can apply for them today through Round 2 of the Office of Recreation, Sport and Racing’s Active Club Program.

During the latest round of the Active Club Program no clubs applied for funding to purchase a defibrillator.

Minister for Recreation, Sport and Racing Corey Wingard said it was important clubs were aware they could get the equipment through the Liberal State Government grant.

“Tyler’s story has helped bring the importance of having such life-saving equipment ready when necessary,” Minister Wingard said.

“When we think of sports equipment we naturally think of what we need to play the game, but it is also important to consider what clubs need in an emergency,” Minister Wingard said.

In a medical emergency, SA Health recommends calling Triple Zero (000), pushing by giving CPR and shocking with an AED.

The Triple Zero call taker will provide detailed instructions on when and how to use an AED and will direct you to the nearest device on the SAAS AED register.

The AED comes with written instructions and will also verbally instruct users as well, including telling the user whether the patient needs to be shocked.

AED prices vary but a standard cost is about $2,500- $3,000 and can be registered with SA Health at no extra cost, so that callers can be directed to the closest device if an emergency occurs.