$500,000 is being invested by the state government to make 180 new defibrillators available across the state.
The devices will be placed in public places, with a focus on rural and regional areas, to increase the chance of survival for people experiencing a cardiac arrest.
Health Minister Jacquie Petrusma said that the chance of survival decreases by almost 10% with each passing minute during a cardiac arrest.
“Having access to an AED can mean the difference between life and death,” she said.
“I strongly encourage community groups, businesses and sporting organisations to apply for an AED to ensure this life-saving equipment is available when and where it is needed.”
There are currently more than 1,000 publicly accessible AEDs registered throughout Tasmania, with 360 provided to communities since 2014.
“The greater the number of publicly accessible AEDs registered across Tasmania, the greater the chance we have of saving lives in the first critical minutes,” Petrusma said.
“Defibrillators are easy to use without any training and are audio-equipped to guide the user through the procedure and by hosting one of these devices, you can help our dedicated first responders to save lives.”
Applications for the new defibrillators are open through the Department of Health’s Community Defibrillator Fund until the end on January.
