A Central Queensland town’s out of hospital cardiac arrest risk outcomes are set to improve thanks to a dedicated and passionate Local Ambulance Committee (LAC) working closely with its ambulance station.
Biloela LAC has turned personal tragedy into a community resilience-building project, donating and installing 11 Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) so far in public places in Biloela and surrounding areas, ensuring they’re ready for action if or when a health emergency arises.
Biloela Station’s Officer in Charge (OIC) Terry Zillmann said this project was created by LAC volunteers, Lynette and Matthew Weeks, in memory of their son Joel, who died tragically in a single vehicle accident in September 2023.
Terry said the project began in August 2024 with the inaugural Joel Weeks Memorial Charity Bowls Day.
The town rallied, registering 48 teams to support this event, which raised $65,829 to purchase and install AEDs around Biloela.
Terry said so far, 11 AEDs had been installed in public areas, with more on their way.
He said the AED project’s genuine long-term benefits would be revealed over time.
“The AEDs cost around $4,000 each including the cabinet – this is a small price in the scheme of things when you consider the value of what they can deliver.
“Fortunately, none of the donated units have been used yet, and that’s the way we would rather it stayed, but it’s very reassuring knowing they’re there in an emergency.
Terry said raising public awareness for CPR and first aid education was one of the LAC’s key roles and being able to provide information about the area’s AED locations adds even more value.
“Our stations’ teams understand the significant contribution these AEDs make in the chain of survival, not just for our community but to all who pass through it,” he said.
“We know there’s nothing better than arriving on scene at a cardiac arrest to find good quality CPR being performed and an AED available to correct the heart rhythm if required.
“Every minute without CPR and an AED, reduces a patient’s chance of survival by 10 per cent.
After their exceptional fundraising start in 2024, the Weeks family, the LAC and the locals didn’t rest on their laurels; this year’s fundraiser in Joel’s memory lifted the bar again, raising more than $77,000 to go towards building a helipad in Biloela.
“Joel Weeks was a kind and caring person who was always there for his friends and family; this project will be a great legacy to remember him by, as it’s all about caring for our communities,” Terry said.