News

Donated Defibrillators saving young lives

04 November 2022

Young people aged 12 – 25 years have access to life-saving defibrillators (sometimes called a ‘defib’, or AED (automated external defibrillator)) thanks to a corporate partnership between Xsquared Architects and The Link Youth Health Service (The Link) and headspace Hobart.

With Xsquared Architects’ support young service users at The Link and headspace Hobart now have access to these life saving devices. Early access to defibrillation is critical. When someone suffers a cardiac arrest, blood is no longer being pumped around their body. With each passing minute the probability of survival declines up to ten per cent.

CEO of The Link Miranda Ashby said the AEDs are extremely important due to the number of young people who attend our services. headspace Hobart has delivered 51,000 occasions of service to more than 8000 local young people since 2012.

“Link and headspace Hobart staff have received training on use of the defib’s and are ready to save a life if they have a cardiac arrest. The sooner you use a defibrillator, the greater the person's chances of survival in the first few minutes whilst the ambulance is coming.”

Xsquared Architects’ Directors Peter Scott and Alex Newman said “we are proud not only to support young people at The Link and headspace Hobart, but also to provide valuable life saving devices for the general public to access through Ambulance Tasmania’s AED Register.”

“If just one life is saved, either through the defibs or the vital services provided by The Link and headspace Hobart, then our partnership has succeeded” added Mr Scott.

We encourage any young person, family or friends in need of support or consultation t o visit their local headspace centre. Support is also available via phone and online counselling service eheadspace seven days a week between 9am–1am (AEST). The number is 1800 650 890.

If you’re looking for someone to talk to immediately, Lifeline (13 11 14) and Kids Helpline (1800 55 1800) are available to talk 24/7.

Thank you MyState

Thanks to the MyState Grant, The Link is now running the Eat Well cooking program for young people. aged 12-25! Over a series of weeks, cooking classes will cover nutrition, cooking on a budget, food prep skills, hygiene and safety and creative flair in the kitchen. The Program will provide a fun social space and plenty of delicious food!