Having to use a defibrillator in an emergency is obviously no laughing or lighthearted matter. Regardless, over 50 residents at Blue Haven Bonaira enjoyed being educated on this topic on Friday 24 May 2024, thanks to the relaxed, relatable manner displayed by presenter and local emergency doctor, Mark Newcombe. Member of Parliament for Kiama, Gareth Ward, who is currently lobbying for broader access to maintained defibrillators in public spaces and transport, also attended. 

Blue Haven Bonaira resident and Mark’s father, Mike Newcombe, was largely to thank for the recent fundraising and subsequent roll out of automated external defibrillators (AEDs) throughout the facility. Mike, who has previously had heart bypass surgery, thoroughly scoped out all areas of the facility that would require CellAED devices to ensure prompt emergency support for all residents in the event of cardiac arrest. 

Once installed, Mike recognised training for understandably apprehensive residents was necessary. Naturally, he looked to his highly qualified and kind-hearted son, who is also the leader of a not-for-profit charity that runs medical conferences in third world countries. Mark kicked the session off with a well-received chuckle about his parents gifting him a CellAED last Christmas, knowing his genetics. 

Mark managed to deliver technical topics in an accessible manner to an engaged team of increasingly confident potential first responders, including visual mechanics of both a normal-functioning heart and one that may classify a person at risk of a cardiac arrest. 

Mark Newcome presents defib training to Blue Haven Bonaira residents.

Additionally, Mark relayed crucial statistics, such as: out of the 25,000 cardiac arrests recorded annually, 75 percent have a shockable rhythm. Approximately 35 percent of individuals experiencing cardiac arrest survive if the event is witnessed, and early CPR and defibrillation is provided. 

“Getting to people early with the right tools is the only way we are going to make a difference. In cardiac arrest, the probability of successful resuscitation declines by 10 percent every minute. Attending to the person within the first three or four minutes is more likely to have a good outcome,” said Mark. 

“Remember - it is very difficult to do harm to the person. If we do nothing, the outcome is death,” he urged the residents, demonstrating the ease at which the automated devices can be used.  

Upon conclusion, Ward addressed the residents, advising an outcome on his proposed Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) (Public Access) Bill is expected to be settled by August. This bill would not only enforce maintained defibrillators in public places and transport, but also rules and penalties regarding vandalism to the devices. 

“I had a constituent come and see me over a year ago now. It is a meeting I will never forget. He said, ‘I want to say to you, Gareth, you saved my life. It was a grant that you got for a defibrillator. It was there when I needed it. I would have been dead without it.’ That is what really speared me into doing something about defibrillators,” said Ward. 

“Every year, around 3,800 people die from an out of hospital cardiac arrest. Lives could have been saved if they’d had access to a defibrillator. These devices save lives, by having them in public places, on forms of public transport.

“Let’s hope these devices never need to be used, but it is good to know how to use them if we need them,” closed Ward.

Ward and Mark received a hearty round of applause from the appreciative residents, particularly Mark’s proud Dad.

“Mark was absolutely fabulous with his presentation, answering all very intelligent questions that probably only an emergency doctor could have done,” beamed Mike.

“I went to a gathering of attendees after the event, and they could not stop praising his presentation. He added some humour to a very serious subject.” 

Fortunately, none of the participants have experienced cardiac arrest before - and let’s pray they never do. However, should the unfortunate event occur, they have peace of mind knowing they are in equipped and capable hands thanks to the caring work of this father-son dream team. This defibrillator training session may have been fairly lighthearted, but potentially life-saving nonetheless.