A near-death experience suffered by an Eltham Vet Services client has prompted the business to purchase a defibrillator.
Eltham Vet Services CEO Alistair McDougall says the business has been inspired to get the piece of emergency equipment after hearing of client Pat Sheehy's ordeal last year.
Pat had been working at Anzco Foods freezing works when he suffered a massive heart attack. His workmates, the fire service and ambulance staff used the workplace defibrillator to kick his heart back into gear and save him.
Alistair says Pat's experience was a bit of a wake-up call.
"It's one of those things you don't think about until it affects somebody you know."
The business, which employs 18 staff, including 11 veterinarians, recently had training in how to use the piece of equipment.
"Everybody is a bit scared of it initially but it's dead easy - you can't get it wrong.
"It actually analyses the patent for you and determines whether they need to be shocked."
Alistair says there were a lot of people coming and going through the business and having the defibrillator was an option if anybody ran into trouble. It could also be used by surrounding businesses.
"It's a community asset. It's one of those things - I hope we don't have to use it, but it's good to have."