General News
2 September, 2025
Getting to the heart of it
MALANDA residents now have quick access to a record number of life-saving devices throughout the village after $18,000 was spent on seven new Automated External Defibrillators (AED).
The Malanda Local Ambulance Committee (LAC) used the money – raised by the community – to purchase the machines, which were presented to seven local businesses last Wednesday.
“I’m very proud of this initiative,” Malanda Ambulance Station Officer-in-Charge, Antonella Ryan, said.
“These machines could save someone’s life – you have three times the chance of surviving a heart attack if an AED is available. In our line of work, we often see the results of not being able to do anything.”
AEDs are portable medical devices that provide electrical shocks to restore a normal heartbeat in the event of a cardiac arrest.
“They are so easy to use, you just open the lid and the machine will prompt you on every step,” Ms Ryan said.
She had decided to use the donations for the community as part of a health awareness challenge.
“We did a lot of research on cardiac arrest and the use of AEDs, and with the aging cohort we have in Malanda, I thought this was the best way to go,” she said.
The LAC provided training on AED use and is introducing other initiatives such as first aid training, child emergencies, school visits and mental health awareness.
LAC president Janine Rielly said the LAC had been fundraising over many years, and its volunteers were also celebrated at the Wednesday presentation at the ambulance station with service medals and acknowledgements.
“I was really pleased that Dawn, who is 92 and has been fundraising for the LAC for 35 years, was able to see what she has done. It was a big moment,” she said.
Ms Rielly, who manages the Malanda Caravan Park, said she was a big supporter of AEDs and has used one.
“I was quite passionate after that, and joined the Local Ambulance Committee,” she said.
“They are not always successful, but can keep a person going, provide life support and allow families to say goodbye.
“Some people were worried about the backlash [of using an AED if it went wrong], but no, everyone should give it a go. It is not hard to save people’s lives.
“Hats off to Malanda, it is the place to be if you have a heart problem, there’s [an AED] on every corner,” she added lightly.
Ms Rielly said the community was ageing, and there were many retirees in Malanda, so the AEDs were going to be available in places where people go.
The AEDs have been provided to SPAR, The Pub, the Top Rail Tavern, Birdwing Therapies, the Lions Club, Men’s Shed and TFIT Total Health & Fitness.
