The 360 degree moment and another life saved.

On Saturday a young man went into cardiac arrest while playing AFL football. The game was East Sunbury V Rupertswood.

Because Rupertswood FNC had a defibrillator, and trainers that knew how to react to this most serious of cardiac emergencies, the young man was saved following 2 shocks, he was then stabilised by paramedics. He is now reportedly stable and completely conscious in hospital. He’s been given a second chance at life thanks to those wonderful trainers at the club. The reason Rupertswood had a defibrillator at their ground is because they didn’t have one 15 years ago when their 19 yo ruckman, Stephen Buckman, went into cardiac arrest at training, and passed away. Stephen’s mother, Sue, and I started a foundation called Defib For Life. We have since 2010, placed over 6000 defibrillators into sports clubs, schools, and workplaces. Saturday’s incident certainly reminded us that a cardiac arrest can happen anytime and anywhere and that If you are equipped with the necessary tools (defibrillator and people willing to use them) most cardiac arrest victims can be saved. We have had many other saves since 2010, but the significance of this latest save is enormous, in particular for those original committee members of Defib For Life, made up of mainly parents from Rupertswood FC. These people were pivotal in helping us to create a foundation that’s now having such a significant impact on saving lives. In support of our most recent save, I ask that you all contact the custodian’s of the AFL game to ensure they mandate defibrillators at all grounds, regardless of the level. You should demand that the AFL together with the Australian Football League AFL Players' Association, create a Policy that states a game doesn’t start without a defibrillator being present. We sincerely wish that the East Sunbury player has a speedy recovery. ❤️🩹❤️❤️ www.defibforlife.org.au or 1300 880309

#defibforlife #suddencardiacarrest #defibssavelives #AFL