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our story
Sophie (our founder & Chair) was always conscious that her community, Wisemans Ferry was at risk of poor outcomes for sudden cardiac arrest and other medical emergencies.
Wisemans Ferry, 75 km NNW of the Sydney CBD and more than 42 kms from the nearest ambulance station or medical assistance is vulnerable in more ways then one. With multiple ferry crossings and bridges to access parts of the community over the river, Wisemans Ferry is at risk of poor outcomes with limited medical assistance.
Following a tragic event medical in 2018 on the outskirts of Wisemans Ferry, Sophie as a Paramedicine student at Western Sydney University sought help from Dr Paul Simpson (Director of Academic Program - Paramedicine at Western Sydney University). With the aspiration of purchasing one community defibrillator for Wisemans Ferry, Sophie and Paul discussed the complications and vulnerabilities of Wisemans Ferry.
With the understanding that "with every minute that goes by during a sudden cardiac arrest without a defibrillator, the victim's chance of survival is reduced by 7-10%" and far more area to cover then a 10 minute span it was clear to Paul and Sophie that 1 community AED was not going to be enough.
Sophie and Paul soon after facilitated a meeting with interested local parties including the Wisemans Ferry Forgotten Valley Inc, representatives from Wisemans Ferry Bowling Club and Wisemans Ferry Rural Fire Service. Carpet Hughes Managing Director of the Defib Shop and Intensive Care Paramedic brought new perspective alongside Western Sydney University's Dr Liz Thyer.
community defib project - wisemans ferry is formed
Following a successful meeting of interested parties 'Community Defib Project - Wisemans Ferry' was formed including Sophie, David Dodge, Carpet Hughes, Dr Paul SImpson, Dr Liz Thyer and Scott Wills (Sophie's father). As a group they applied for the NSW Government's My Community Project grant with the goal of installing as many community AEDs as possible around the local commnunity of Wisemans Ferry.
In September 2019 the project was successful in receiving $35,000 as a part of the NSW Government's My Community Project grant. The support from the community was exceptional.
Following the grant success and support from Wisemans Ferry Bowling Club, in September, 2019 the first community AED for Wisemans Ferry was installed. The Wisemans Ferry Bowling Club kindly provided their existing AED to be installed on the outside of the club for 24/7 access by any member of the community.
In the following 12 months more than 20 community AEDs were installed for Wisemans Ferry and surrounds.
success of the project
Following continued success and lots of interest from other communities Sophie and her team decided to continue the work of the project throughout NSW. After re-branding to become the "Community Defib Project" the board was formally established. Board began to work on a plan to enable sustainable and successful installation of more community AEDs along with a program that ensured communities were provided with resources and education to improve sudden cardiac arrest victim's chance of survival.
In May, 2020 the project was recognised by the ACNC as a not-for-profit organisation.
With importance for local knowledge and input, along with fundraising to engage each community, the Board decided that each community should be driven by local community members with the best understanding of the needs of their community.
By September, 2020 three more communities St Albans, Spencer and Maroota had signed up to the project.
By March, 2021 the project has eleven communities on board and has installed more that thirty AEDs across communities including Wisemans Ferry, Catherine Hill Bay, St Albans and Maroota with more planned.
founders of the project..
Sophie Wills Founder & Chairperson
Sophie Wills Founder & Chairperson
Sophie Wills Founder & Chairperson
Registered Paramedic & Community Member
Sophie is a newly Registered Paramedic, graduate from Western Sydney University and Wisemans Ferry local resident of 15+ years. Sophie has been a member of the Wisemans Ferry RFS for 6+ years and has a passion for making a change within the community. Sophie initiated the Community Defib Project whi
Registered Paramedic & Community Member
Sophie is a newly Registered Paramedic, graduate from Western Sydney University and Wisemans Ferry local resident of 15+ years. Sophie has been a member of the Wisemans Ferry RFS for 6+ years and has a passion for making a change within the community. Sophie initiated the Community Defib Project whilst studying in her second year at WSU. After approaching Dr Simpson in relation to purchasing a single community defibrillator, Sophie drew together the committee to receive a grant of $35 000 to establish the project.
Dr Paul Simpson
Sophie Wills Founder & Chairperson
Sophie Wills Founder & Chairperson
Intensive Care Paramedic
Dr Paul Simpson is the Director of Academic Program for Paramedicine at Western Sydney University. Paul began his career as a paramedic in 1996, and continues to practice as a registered intensive care paramedic with NSW Ambulance. Paul has a PhD in Public Health and Community Medicine from University of New South
Intensive Care Paramedic
Dr Paul Simpson is the Director of Academic Program for Paramedicine at Western Sydney University. Paul began his career as a paramedic in 1996, and continues to practice as a registered intensive care paramedic with NSW Ambulance. Paul has a PhD in Public Health and Community Medicine from University of New South Wales. Paul is also the Chair of Australasian Council of Paramedicine Deans, and current co-chair of National Research Committee for the Australasian College of Paramedicine.
Carpet Hughes
Sophie Wills Founder & Chairperson
Carpet Hughes
Intensive Care Paramedic
Carpet is an Intensive Care Paramedic with many years of paramedicine experience, including responding to many sudden cardiac arrest patients. Having patients responding to defibrillation and sitting up talking minutes after is where the passion and drive for the Defibshop comes from! Currently, Carpet fulfils the
Intensive Care Paramedic
Carpet is an Intensive Care Paramedic with many years of paramedicine experience, including responding to many sudden cardiac arrest patients. Having patients responding to defibrillation and sitting up talking minutes after is where the passion and drive for the Defibshop comes from! Currently, Carpet fulfils the roles of Chairman of the Ambulance Provient Fund and has previously held many other roles including Secretary of the Australian Resuscitation Council NSW (ARC NSW) Branch.
Dr Liz Thyer
Scott Wills Treasurer
Carpet Hughes
Paramedic Educator
Dr Liz Thyer is the Associate Dean (Learning & Teaching) in the School of Health Sciences for the Western Sydney University. Liz was formerly an Advanced Life Support Paramedic for Victoria Ambulance Service for 11 years including roles including clinical instructor and peer support officer. Liz’s research interests include paramedic education and mental health.
Scott Wills Treasurer
Scott Wills Treasurer
Scott Wills Treasurer
Community Member
Scott has lived in the Wisemans Ferry community for 15 years. For the past 5 years, Scott has been an active member of the Wisemans RFS, fulfilling roles such as Secretary. Scott is also a member of the Wisemans Ferry Forgotten Valley Inc. and a Director of the Wisemans Ferry Bowling Club. Scott is a small business owner and is passionate about the welfare of the community.
David Dodge
Scott Wills Treasurer
Scott Wills Treasurer
Community Member
David has been a member of the RFS for over 30 years. He has lived in or around Wisemans Ferry for the most part of his life. David is currently the Senior Deputy Captain for the Wisemans Ferry RFS and is an active member of the community. David is passionate about making a difference to the area.