Sports centre doubles defib capacity

South West Sports Centre staff know first-hand how crucial a defibrillator is in an emergency situation - so they grabbed the opportunity to buy another.

Several years ago, staff rushed to the aid of man who had collapsed in the centre's car park and kick-started his heart with the centre's only defibrillator, saving his life.

This incident brought home the value of the units and the centre has added a second defibrillator thanks to a grant through the State Government's Royalties for Regions program and Leisure Institute of WA Aquatics.

The centre received the $2500 defibrillator as well as a new oxygen resuscitation kit known as an Oxy-Sok last week.

The latest additions mean there are two defibrillators and five oxygen resuscitation kits spread throughout the centre.

Sport and recreation manager Garry Stokes said the new emergency equipment was highly portable, so staff could attend emergency situations quicker.

"We have placed the equipment around the centre so it is easily accessible in an emergency situation," he said.

"While our lifeguards are highly qualified in first aid, the defibrillator can really be used by anyone if the need arises."