The Kiama Blowhole draws around 900,000 visitors annually, making it one of the town's most iconic landmarks. Yet, despite its popularity and the risks associated with the surrounding rocks, there is no defibrillator installed at the site.

Over the years, 25 people have tragically lost their lives at the Blowhole, with several more fatalities occurring at the rocks nearby. Just this past August, a father and son lost their lives in the area.

Dr. George Puris, a local healthcare provider since 1974, has long advocated for the installation of a defibrillator at the Blowhole, more specifically at the lighthouse. He has written extensively to The Bugle, highlighting the potential life-saving benefits of having such a device on-site.

“A defibrillator, like the Heart Starter, costs only $360,” says Dr. Puris. “It’s simple to use—just follow the instructions, place it on the chest, and it can save 7 out of 10 lives. No need for CPR or waiting 20 minutes for paramedics.”

Dr. Puris, along with The Bugle, has raised the issue with Kiama MP Gareth Ward, who in turn wrote to the Minister for Health, Hon. Ryan Park MP. Unfortunately, Ward received a disappointing response from the Minister’s office.

“The Minister expressed appreciation for the matter being raised but indicated that no assistance or government funding would be provided at this time,” Ward says.

One of the key challenges in installing a defibrillator at the Blowhole is that the area is Crown land, which complicates the approval process.

“Since the Blowhole is Crown land, there are several layers of approval required. First, the relevant local authorities, such as Kiama Council, would need to support the initiative,” says Mr. Ward. 

“Then, permission from the state government, through agencies that manage Crown land, would be necessary to ensure compliance with regulations. Funding would likely remain a hurdle, but community grants, local fundraising, or state government initiatives could be explored.”

Ward notes that the complexities of managing Crown land pose unique difficulties for small towns like Kiama.

“The bureaucratic processes involved in gaining approvals and the lack of direct control by local communities can hinder necessary upgrades or safety measures. It’s something that needs to be addressed to ensure residents and visitors are safe and well-served, particularly in high-traffic areas like the Blowhole,” says Mr. Ward.

In response to inquiries about the installation of a defibrillator, Kiama Council issued a statement clarifying the current situation.

“Kiama Council currently has 20 defibrillators installed at key locations, including Blow Hole Point. Our Visitor Information Centre adjacent to the Blowhole has one, as does our nearby holiday park, Kiama Harbour Cabins.”

While this response reassures that defibrillators are available at key sites nearby, the absence of a device directly at the Blowhole raises concerns, given the risks associated with the rocky coastline and the high number of visitors. 

As discussions continue, local advocates like Dr. Puris are hopeful that the necessary steps will be taken to ensure that a defibrillator will be installed at this popular yet perilous landmark.

Check out the location of defibrillators in our LGA on The Bugle App.