Paramedic Mark McCarthy's campaign to make Wollongong a HeartSafe Community, as reported in last Saturday's Mercury, is off to a good start.
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Mr McCarthy wants to see defibrillators installed in public places and people made aware of where they are and how to use them.
He said the response from the public and businesses to the article had been strong.
"We got a number of emails and a lot of support on Facebook and social media saying it was a fantastic initiative," Mr McCarthy said.
"Based on the comments, there is a lot of support for it.
"A couple of individuals have said they would be interested in discussing and looking at potential sites."
Mr McCarthy, whose company Wollongong First Aid provides training services and sells first-aid and medical equipment, including defibrillators, said some healthcare and medical supplies companies had been in contact.
"We've had a couple of the defibrillator companies express interest; obviously they would love to have their product involved," he said.
"Aero Health has said they will provide their defibrillators as cheap as they possibly can ... and [a representative] from Zoll Medical is going to come down and have a look at how they can provide assistance.
"[Health insurance provider] Peoplecare have been in contact and want to sit down and have a chat and see if they can help out anywhere."
Wollongong Lord Mayor Gordon Bradbery said he thought the idea had some merit.
"Anything that makes people's lives a little easier and safer has got to be worthwhile," he said.
"From my perspective it does no harm. It is also the opportunity to save a life - it's a bit like everyone learning how to do CPR."
Wollongong City Council has defibrillators in its two leisure centres, at the patrolled beaches (shared with the surf lifesaving club members) and swimming pools, and in Wollongong's administration building.
The NSW Ambulance Service has also welcomed the campaign.
"NSW Ambulance welcomes any initiatives that increase the chances of patient survival in the minutes between when triple-0 is called and paramedics arrive," a spokesperson said.
"Every minute counts in cardiac arrests. And when members of the community are able to work to keep patients alive - be it through effective CPR or using technology - it can literally make a difference between life and death."
Mr McCarthy said the next step would be to form a steering committee with some of the larger organisations that want to get involved.
"I'd like to see the first defibrillators put in place within six months," he said.
