Bendigo Bank has reached a significant milestone with the number of lifesaving defibrillators purchased and installed by its unique Community Bank model passing the 500 mark.
Founded in 1998, the Community Bank model has grown from a concept designed to empower communities at risk of losing face-to-face banking services to a network of more than 300 branches and is best known for returning more than $366 million to the community in the form of sponsorships and grants to local sporting clubs and interest groups.
Community Bank support for health focused initiatives is less visible but no less important with some branches responsible for the installation of as many as 60 defibrillators across their district to ensure greater public accessibility to these life saving devices.
Sudden cardiac arrest claims the lives of around 100 Australians daily, with 90 percent of victims unable to be revived without immediate assistance from bystanders.
Community Bank funded AEDs have saved the lives of men, women and children on golf courses, bowling greens, hockey clubs, walking trails - even cafes and chemists - with some of these devices deployed more than once.
Bendigo Bank Head of Community Banking, Justine Minne said: “To improve the chances of survival after cardiac arrest, Community Banks across Australia have now funded the installation of more than 500 defibrillators with the aim of providing further AED coverage to hundreds more communities that need them.
“We’ve been able to supply these vital lifesaving devices to surf clubs, sporting venues, campsites, shopping centres, RSLs, CWA branches, bank branches, schools and many other publicly accessible locations right across Australia – all because customers help generate funding simply by choosing to do their banking with us,” Ms Minne concluded.
What to do if your community needs an AED
People can download an AED locator app for their state or territory. If a publicly accessible defibrillator can’t be located nearby, speak to local community groups or workplaces about having one installed.
Then contact your local Community Bank branch who can consider applications for the funding, supply and installation of AED's to help ensure more communities can access an AED in an emergency.
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