Pictured: Shannon Hewitt, Chief Pharmacist at Star Pharmacy Group
Star Pharmacy Group has taken a huge step towards in enhancing public health and safety by installing defibrillators in 46 of its stores across Australia. This initiative will provide immediate assistance during cardiac emergencies.
The decision follows statistics from the Heart Foundation which revealed that annually, more than 26,000 Australians experience a cardiac arrest outside hospital settings. Unfortunately, the survival rate under such circumstances is just 10 per cent. The prompt use of a defibrillator alongside CPR can elevate survival rates to approximately 50 per cent.
David Clark, CEO of Star Pharmacy Group, shared, “We are passionate about serving our community and providing access to the very best health services. The introduction of defibrillators reinforces that the members of our community will always have access to critical lifesaving equipment in case of an emergency. We know this is particularly important where we serve in regional areas.”
Earlier this year, the South Australian Government made it mandatory for the presence of defibrillators in State Government owned buildings and vehicles, including schools and libraries. Star Pharmacy Group has taken this to the next level by making sure more than half of its outlets are equipped with this essential lifesaving device.
Pharmacists at Star Discount Chemist stores have already demonstrated their pivotal role during emergencies, having assisted in CPR efforts during past incidents within store premises or nearby locations. Shannon Hewitt, Chief Pharmacist at Star Pharmacy Group shared, “As pharmacists, we can serve as the first point of call when a health issue or medical episode occurs in or near our pharmacies.
“By equipping our pharmacies with defibrillators, we provide reassurance to both our community and our team, knowing that the best possible equipment is available to support people in the event of an emergency,” said Shannon.
The defibrillators have been installed in a mix of Star Discount Chemist, Star Chemist, and independent locations across the country, ensuring wide accessibility to the technology. This installation includes prominent locations in South Australia, Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria, and Western Australia.
South Australian Locations:
Star Discount Chemist Collinswood
Star Discount Chemist Croydon
Star Discount Chemist Firle
Star Discount Chemist Glenelg
Star Discount Chemist Hampstead Rd
Star Discount Chemist Hendon
Star Discount Chemist Hutt Street
Star Discount Chemist Kilkenny
Star Discount Chemist Magill
Star Discount Chemist Marion
Star Discount Chemist Morphett Vale
Star Discount Chemist Morphett Vale Southbound
Star Discount Chemist Park Holme
Star Discount Chemist Pooraka
Star Discount Chemist Prospect
Star Discount Chemist Rostrevor
Star Discount Chemist Salisbury East
Star Pharmacy Group National Support Office
Star Chemist Blair Athol
Star Chemist Huntfield Heights
Star Chemist Kingston
Star Chemist Minlaton
Hindmarsh Pharmacy
John St Pharmacy
Meningie Pharmacy
Minlaton Pharmacy
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