Coles is partnering with the Heart Foundation to encourage Australians to look after their hearts, launching an awareness drive to Coles’ 21 million weekly customers.
The partnership comes as Coles rolls out Automated External Defibrillators (AED) to all Coles supermarkets across Australia.
AEDs have already been installed at 37 Coles supermarkets and a national roll-out to more than 820 Coles supermarkets across Australia is set to be completed by July 1.
The AEDs will be located near the customer service desk and will be accessible for neighbouring retailers and small businesses to use in the event of an emergency.
“Coles will make AEDs more accessible so they can be deployed quickly in an emergency, which will save lives,” The Heart Foundation’s Group CEO, Adjunct Professor John Kelly said.
“AEDs are critical to saving lives as every second and minute counts when a person is having a cardiac arrest.”
Heart health check
Heart Disease is said to be Australia’s biggest killer, with more than 18,000 people losing their lives each year.
Coles is said to be supporting the Heart Foundation in its mission to encourage more Australians to have a Health Heart Check with their doctor.
Over coming months, Coles will promote the Heart Foundation’s message in store, via social media channels and by reaching out directly to millions of flybuys members.
Safety first
Coles Director of Safety David Brewster said the safety of customers and team members is a top priority at Coles.
A minimum of five team members at every supermarket are said to be accredited in first aid by St John Ambulance Australia to help in medical emergencies.