The Greek Community of Melbourne (GCM) took a notable step towards enhancing community safety by organizing a defibrillator training seminar at the Greek Centre. Specifically tailored for the priests of the GCM churches and their dedicated volunteers.

The training brought together priests from the Holy Church of “Annunciation of our Lady”, “Holy Trinity” Church, “St. George” Church, Holy Church of “St. Eleftherios” and Holy Church of “St. Dimitrios”, along with their devoted contributors.

The seminar, delivered by Associate Professor Marinis Pirpiris and a “U-tech Medical” representative, featured a comprehensive step-by-step guide and detailed approach to utilizing defibrillators in emergency situations. The aim was to better equip key community members with the knowledge and skills required to respond effectively to life-threatening situations.

The GCM has invested in fitting all the GCM churches with automated external defibrillators (AED devices). These defibrillators can be used in people who need CPR, such as someone who has had sudden cardiac arrest. The defibrillators can be used to apply an electric shock to a patient to restart their heart or shock the heart back to its regular rhythm. It is used in addition to First Aid. Dr. Myron Weisfeldt of John Hopkins University estimates that in the US alone, an analysis suggested that 1,700 additional lives have been saved each year from bystanders using the defibrillators.

Associate Prof. Marinis Pirpiris, Treasurer of the GCM, emphasized the importance of the seminar, stating, “Having individuals who are trained and confident in using defibrillators can make a crucial difference. We feel it is our “duty of care” to the people attending various church services and functions. In the next few months, it is anticipated that Melbourne shall be subject to severe heatwaves. We need to be medically prepared for our aged and people that have heart conditions.”

Attendees had the opportunity to engage in practical demonstrations, followed by a Q&A session. The knowledge obtained assisted with further understanding of this life-saving equipment. The seminar showcased the strong sense of community spirit and the proactive approach taken by the GCM in addressing the health and safety needs of its members.

GCM will also be organising a First -Aid training session for its churches’ first aid officers in 2024.

For further information, please contact your local church.