Local retired anaesthetist Dr Ian Unsworth said that the current survival rate outside of hospital is very low, in fact less than five per cent is the driving force behind the project. The most successful treatment for cardiac arrest is defibrillation within the first three to five minutes of the event.

"Unfortunately CPR alone is not enough, however combined with early defibrillation, can dramatically increase the victim's chances of survival. It can make a huge difference," Dr Unsworth said.

"Having access to these defibrillators that can be used by council and club staff as well as members of the public, could make a huge difference to the outcome of a cardiac arrest particularly in regional areas where a balance may not be instantly available."

Paul Jones of Australian Defibrillators said, "We use the Zoll AED Plus for public access defibrillation because its the worlds first and only full-rescue AED. It has a CPR sensor in the pads and supports the rescuer through the entire event not just the victims who require defibrillation".

The NSW Ambulance and NSW Fire Brigade also uses Zoll defibrillators, which means the electrode pads are compatible with their equipment.

The Automatic External Defibrillators will initially be installed in

* Tenterfield Bowling Club

* Tenterfield Golf Club

* Tenterfield Aquatic Centre

* Tenterfield Arts Centre

* Tenterfield SES

Training will be held tomorrow from 8am at the Tenterfield Bowling Club and from 9.30am at the Tenterfield Golf Club.