The devices can be used by anyone to deliver an electronic shock to a person experiencing a cardiac arrest.

Ninety per cent of people who suffer sudden cardiac arrest do not survive.

However statistics show defibrillation within the first few minutes of a sudden cardiac arrest increases a person’s chances of survival by more than 70 per cent.

Horsham Community and Police Consultative Committee is working on a project to install automated external defibrillators in six locations across the city.

The group – which includes a range of emergency service and community representatives – aims to improve community safety and security.

Chairman David Eltringham said the group identified Roberts Place, the May Park toilet block, Westpac Bank precinct, Woolworths toilet block, Sawyer Park, and Weir Park as priority locations for defibrillators.

The group has also approached businesses about installing the devices.

Mr Eltringham said the group was determined to see the live-saving devices installed.

“We want to not only install them, but also make sure people know they are there,” he said.

“That is not only for the ones in this project, but for others that already exist in businesses or organisations.

“Businesses know they have them, but community members might not know they are there.

“The other thing about them is they need to be registered. We would like anyone who has one to contact Ambulance Victoria in Horsham.

“If there is an incident where someone calls for help, Ambulance Victoria then knows if there is a defibrillator in that location and can direct the caller to it.”

Mr Eltringham said the locations were subject to council and property owner approval. 

“We will be talking with them about our proposed locations to get them right, but the vicinity of those places is where we think would be best,” he said.

“We are going to work with Business Horsham to apply for grants through Ambulance Victoria and the state government. 

“Each unit is worth about $3000, but there is also an issue that if they are installed on an external wall, you need a proper vandal-proof box as well.

“We will have the applications in within the next two to three weeks, and we should know whether we have been successful by mid-February.”

Mr Eltringham said the group planned to ensure the defibrillator models were the same across the city for ease of use and identification.

“The Country Fire Authority has a type they use, and that’s the one we would like to go with,” he said.

The Horsham Community and Police Consultative Committee started about 20 years ago, as an adjunct to Neighbourhood Watch.

Representatives from Victoria Police, the State Emergency Service, Ambulance Victoria, Horsham Rural City Council, Business Horsham, Horsham Sports and Community Club, Federation University and the community are part of the committee.

Mr Eltringham said people could visit Horsham Community and Police Network on Facebook for more information.