In a proactive step towards improving community safety, the Greek Community of Melbourne (GCM) held a defibrillator training seminar for priests and volunteers from its network of churches.
The seminar, held at the Greek Centre, brought together clergy and contributors from the Holy Church of the Annunciation of Our Lady, Holy Trinity, St George, St Eleftherios, and St Dimitrios. Among those attending were Fr Antonios Vanikiotis, Fr Harris Vezos, Rev Diamantis Kourabis, Fr Gary Peripetsakis, and Fr Nikolaos Xylouris, along with church committee members and volunteers.
Led by Enzo from U-Tech Medical, the session provided participants with step-by-step instruction on how to use automated external defibrillators (AEDs) during cardiac emergencies.
The aim was to ensure that key members of the Greek community are equipped with the skills needed to respond quickly and effectively to life-threatening situations.
The GCM has now installed AEDs across all its churches. These portable devices can deliver an electric shock to restore a regular heartbeat during sudden cardiac arrest and can be used alongside CPR.
Studies, such as those by Dr Myron Weisfeldt of Johns Hopkins University, show that bystander use of defibrillators saves thousands of lives each year.
GCM church committee representative Nick Koukouvitakis and church coordinator Michael Profyris praised the initiative, thanking participants for their enthusiasm and commitment.
The session concluded with practical demonstrations and a Q&A segment.
For more information, parishioners are encouraged to contact their local church.
