Vital defibrillator donation to support First Nations health in Narrogin

An organisation supporting First Nations communities across the Wheatbelt is the latest recipient of life-saving equipment from St John WA (SJWA). 

Keedac (Kaata-Koorliny Employment and Enterprise Development Aboriginal Corporation) was identified as needing an automated external defibrillator (AED) after the SJWA Yarning team delivered training in Narrogin and found that the organisation did not have one at either of their locations.  

The St John Dawesville Sub Centre had a surplus device which they requested be given to a First Nations-focused organisation in Western Australia. 

Keedac’s mission to improve the lives of Aboriginal families in the Wheatbelt through work-related training and qualifications, along with mental health and wellbeing support, made them the ideal recipient. 

AEDs are portable devices designed for anyone to treat people experiencing cardiac arrest until emergency services arrive. 

With only one in 10 people surviving out-of-hospital cardiac arrests, defibrillators are key to saving lives. 

For Jeremy Maitland-Smith, Paramedic and First Nations Lead, the donation aligns with SJWA’s goal of improving access and equity to essential wellbeing, health and first aid services for First Nations communities. 

“St John WA is looking to support First Nations communities with culturally appropriate first aid knowledge to address the understood health disparities present in those communities,” said Jeremy. 

“This knowledge, combined with access to a St John-donated defibrillator, provides the Narrogin First Nations community with more effective capability to respond to emergencies, not only for First Nations people, but the wider community as well.” 

The St John WA team has now delivered the AED to Keedac in Narrogin. 

Western Australia’s public defibrillator network has doubled in the past five years with more than 10,000 now available. 

Find your nearest defibrillator location via the St John WA First Responder app or search the St John WA AED map.