In the event of an emergency call 000
Our Story
How did the Community Defib Project start?
Sophie, Founder and Chairperson of the Communtiy Defib Project who is currently a newly registered Paramedic and Graduate of Western Sydney University Paramedicine program started talking about the need for community defibs in 2018. After becoming frustrated with the limited support available for her small community Wisemans Ferry, Sophie approached Dr Paul Simpson (WSU - Director of Academic Program) to discuss a potential contact to purchase a single community accessible defib for Wisemans Ferry.
Dr Simpson and Sophie discussed that there was a significant need for community defibs in Wisemans Ferry and started working towards a plan to put not just one unit in place but several to try and improve residents outcomes in the event of a sudden cardiac arrest. Sophie and Dr Simpson called on Carpet Hughes, Intensive Care Paramedic, Director of the Defibshop and expert in Community Access Defibrillation.
On April 3rd, 2019, the Community Defib Project was formally established with the aim of supplying not only community accessible defibrillators but education to the community of Wisemans Ferry to make the project work. After receiving a grant from the NSW Government #MyCommunityProject grants, Community Defib Project came to fruition installing 9 community access AEDs by March, 2020, aiming to install 20 by the end of 2020.
Community Defib Project became a non-for-profit organisation in March, 2020 and is working towards expanding the concept of community access defibrillation to other communities in need.
Community Access Defibs
Community Access Defibs are critical in improving sudden cardiac arrest outcomes in communities that have long waits for emergency medical support.
Founding Committee
The Community Defib Project was established by the founding committee on 3rd April, 2019. The founding committee is also the committee for Wisemans Ferry.
Community Defib Project Founding committee
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.
Rayne McGurn
Rayne McGurn
Rayne McGurn
Registered Paramedic
Rayne is a newly Registered Paramedic and holds a Bachelor of Health Science (Paramedicine) as well as a Bachelor of Medical Science (Anatomy & Physiology). Rayne has a passion for regional and rural healthcare, as well as education in a healthcare setting. She is currently working as a Graduate Paramedic Intern at com
Registered Paramedic
Rayne is a newly Registered Paramedic and holds a Bachelor of Health Science (Paramedicine) as well as a Bachelor of Medical Science (Anatomy & Physiology). Rayne has a passion for regional and rural healthcare, as well as education in a healthcare setting. She is currently working as a Graduate Paramedic Intern at community events including festivals as well as race meets at Sydney Motorsport Park. Rayne holds the position of Secretary for the Community Defib Project.
#Thankyou
