In early 2022, nine defibrillators were installed in various bay areas of Cape Upstart National Park and Molongle Creek Caravan Park to provide the isolated area with essential, life-saving equipment.
The installation was initiated by the Cape Upstart Community Progress group with the support of the Whitsunday Regional Council, and the Queensland Country Bank’s Good for Good Grants program. All nine defibrillators, with the aid of the Queensland Country Bank’s grant, were purchase from Megan Jerkic, Advanced Care Paramedic of 12 years with the Queensland Ambulance Service.
Megan, and members of the Cape Upstart Community Progress group, Ray Pickering and Alex Bojack, installed the defibrillators in the effort of supporting both the isolated community and passing boaters. The restricted tidal access to the popular holiday destination created a high demand for life saving equipment to become accessible to locals and visitors alike, and Ray Pickering believes this installation will enhance the liveability and appeal of Cape Upstart.
“The area has rocky outcrops, and no roads, so we’re bringing the community a lot closer by bringing these defibrillators a lot closer,” explained Ray Pickering.
In recognition of the nature of Cape Upstart, each defibrillator was to be a self-sufficient portable device with a long battery life which Megan, Ray and Alex would easily be able to install into mounted cabinets for convenient access.
“The defibrillators purchased are reusable with an average battery life span of 8 years, and the batteries are replaceable, so each device will continue to be usable past those 8 years,” said Megan.
“Unless they are used, the upkeep is quite simple as the devices run their own self check maintenance.”
Megan Jerkic as part of Insight First Aid will be venturing over to Cape Upstart to service each defibrillator and replace outdated equipment in the coming months.
“The pads need replacing every 2-3 years and the batteries need replacing every 5-8 years depending on the model,” explained Megan.
The installation of each life saving defibrillator marked a memorable moment in the development of the Cape Upstart community. The work of the Cape Upstart Community Progress group, Megan Jerkic, Ray Pickering, and Alex Bojack in moving this project forward is to be commended.
Whitsunday Regional Councillors Mike Brunker and Michelle Wright, Megan Jerkic of Insight First Aid, Alex Bojack and Guilio Rossato. Photo supplied
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