Potentially life-saving equipment is being installed on coaches across 53 TrainLink routes in New South Wales. This will ensure safer journeys on long trips in remote areas.
A trial is being rolled out where Automated External defibrillators will be available on all timetabled coaches servicing routes of more than four hours.
Chief Executive of NSW TrainLink Peter Allaway said placing defibrillators on coaches grew from an idea initiated internally by staff.
“The trial specifically targets longer routes where there may be mobile black spots or emergency response times might take longer,” Mr Allaway said.
This will benefit coach customers, drivers, and rural and remote communities as a whole, providing even safer public transport.”
Elliot Williams from St John Ambulance NSW said only a small percentage of people survive an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest without CPR or a defibrillator being administered.
“Each year 30,000 people in Australia experience a sudden cardiac arrest. Currently only one in ten survive,” Mr Williams said.
“Using a defibrillator can increase a person’s chances of survival by up to 70 per cent.”