Regional passengers now have easier access to potentially life-saving healthcare with defibrillators being available on all NSW TrainLink coach scheduled services.

Following a successful trial in 2023, the NSW Labor Government has completed a full roll out of Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) on 143 TrainLink statewide routes.

The roll out was completed in partnership with St John Ambulance NSW and it follows on from a smaller trial rolled out in 2023.

In remote parts of NSW where mobile blackspot areas pose the risk of longer emergency response times, having access to defibrillators is especially important and could mean the difference between life and death. 

To ensure easy and accessible use, the defibrillators on NSW TrainLink coaches are able to be used safely by anyone with no prior training required.

All scheduled NSW TrainLink services can be viewed on the TripView app and booked via Trip Planner at transportnsw.info

Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Jenny Aitchison said:

“Around 30,000 people in Australia have a sudden cardiac arrest each year and only one in 10 survive.

“We know using a defibrillator can improve a person’s chance of survival by up to 70 per cent and having these devices on NSW TrainLink coaches means passengers experiencing a cardiac arrest on board can now be treated quickly.

“This NSW Labor Government initiative could save countless lives and will provide peace of mind for passengers using critical public transport services in areas where they might be very far away from medical attention.”

NSW TrainLink Chief Executive Dale Merrick said:

“Placing publicly accessible defibrillators on coaches grew from an idea initiated internally by passionate staff.

“The success of the trial, and work on expanding the program, aligns with Transport for NSW’s commitment to passenger welfare and focus on prioritising a culture of safety and well-being across our expansive network.

“We believe that having a defibrillator on board our coaches is a crucial enhancement to passenger safety.”

CEO of St John Ambulance NSW Dominic Teakle said:

“St John Ambulance NSW is delighted to see this program expand, particularly into those regional and remote routes where medical help can often be further away.

“We know more lives can be saved by improving public access to AEDs in our communities and making sure people feel empowered to use one in an emergency.”