Independent Member for Alfred Cove Dr Janet Woollard has called on the State Government to provide additional funding for the police so that police cars can carry automated external defibrillators (defibrillators), and police can be fully trained in the use of these defibrillators and in current resuscitation techniques.

"Police are often the first responders in emergency situations in the metropolitan and regional areas, and having a defibrillator in their vehicles could save lives," said Dr Woollard.

"Sudden cardiac arrest is a leading cause of death in Australia, and in Western Australia approximately 1500 people die each year from a cardiac arrest. Most cardiac arrests’ are sudden and unexpected.

"According to the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners, each minute defibrillation is delayed a patient’s chance of survival is reduced by 7 to 10%. A study published in Resuscitation 2000, reported that there was a survival rate of 71% with use of defibrillators when they were installed at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.

"Recent media reports have highlighted that the use of Tasers could be problematic.

"In Canada, two heart specialists informed an inquiry that the use of Tasers could cause heart problems and in some cases even cardiac arrests.

"With defibrillators in their cars, the police could respond immediately if heart problems resulted from the use of Tasers, and possibly save people’s lives," said Dr Woollard.

"I am calling for all police in WA to be given the funding and training for the placement and use of defibrillators in their cars as it would help to save lives," said Dr Woollard.