Chamber president Greg Watts said the two devices were purchased with a $6200 grant that NICC applied for in late 2015. Southern Phone Company and Wollongong City Council provided the money in February after vice president Tanya Parry came up with the idea.

“I reviewed our local surroundings and immediately noted a lack of resources, in particular, the absence of a local accessible emergency department. With the population of Helensburgh and Thirroul containing..almost 20,000 people, this is a serious concern. The community response has been overwhelmingly thankful,” she said.

Mr Watts said it was a big step forward for first-response emergency care. “The installation of the defibrillators marks a significant event in consolidating the vital link between small businesses and the community in the Northern Illawarra,” he said.