St John Ambulance has provided $70,000 to get more of the devices into the community. 

Ballarat Regional Athletic Centre at Llanberris Reserve received one and had several volunteers trained in using the defibrillator. 

Centre representative Julie Bicknell said “luckily” they had not had any call to use a defibrillator at the track, which attracts 30,000 visitors a year. 

“It’s a valuable resource for us at Llanberris,” she said. 

“After they gave it to us, there was training for anyone who was interested.” 

St John launched its 2015 Heart Start program last week, so any not-for-profit groups can apply for a defibrillator. 

Chief executive officer Stephen Horton said the need was clear, with 5500 Victorians each year having sudden cardiac arrests. 

“Having a defibrillator on site at local sporting clubs or community groups is therefore critical in giving sudden cardiac arrest victims the best chance of survival and recovery,” he said. 

The machines’ usefulness was demonstrated in April at Stockland Wendouree, when a 78-year-old man suffered a cardiac arrest. 

The Kmart worker who helped save his life, Tess Flood, said it was easy enough to use.

“I remember having 000 on the phone telling me what to do when I swapped with Glenn (a security guard) doing CPR. Then centre management brought the defibrillator down to us.

“Using the defibrillator was not too difficult. The machine talks to you and tells you what to do.”

Groups can go to http://www.stjohnvic.com.au/heartstart to apply.