Help for more heart attack victims at hand

Millions of people are closer to emergency medical help from today thanks to a trade union. The Australian Services Union (ASU) has donated a heart defibrillator to Kings Park, WA's most-popular tourist attraction, for when visitors suffer heart attacks.

David Taylor at the ASU National Conference in 2006

Costing around $7000, defibrillators will be donated annually for four years by the union to commemorate the memory of David Taylor, a member of the Australian Services Union's National Executive for nearly 30 years.

After finishing a shift volunteering as a Tourism Ambassador at the Perth Airport, David suffered a heart attack. He survived only thanks to the heart defibrillator that had been donated two days previously.

On being released from hospital David worked closely with St John Ambulance and decided with his family to donate a portable defibrillator to the Perth Zoo. Tragically, David passed away during the presentation of that defibrillator.

ASU National Secretary Paul Slape said the donation of the defibrillators would honour a man who had worked tirelessly to represent workers for over three decades.

"David's compassion and commitment to the safety of workers and the community was inspiring.

"Even when in intensive care after his first heart attack David was thinking about how his experience might help benefit others.

"David was a passionate believer in workers' rights and a dedicated advocate for the safety and well-being of workers and we hope that the union's donation of these defibrillators can help to continue his work to protect the community.

ASU WA Branch Secretary Paul Burlinson called for more defibrillators where large numbers of people gather.

"They are simple devices that correct the rhythm of the heart and if they're used within four minutes of someone having a heart attack that person has a 50 per cent chance of survival," Mr Burlinson said.

West Australian Attorney General and Minister for Health Jim McGinty will present the defibrillator, along with Paul Slape. They will be accompanied by ASU WA Branch Secretary Paul Burlinson and David Taylor's widow Monica and family.