A MAN was kept alive by the use of a nearby automated external defibrillator (AED) when he suffered a heart attack near Lake Catani on Sunday, according to Myrtleford SES controller David Coates.

Mr Coates said the Myrtleford SES were called to the incident around 11:30am, where SES members used a single-wheeled stretcher, known as a mule, to bring the man from a walking track to an ambulance.

The man, estimated to be in his 60s, was then taken to an air ambulance.

Mr Coates said police blocked traffic to ensure the incident was handled smoothly.

According to Mr Coates, members of the public used the AED at the Lake Catani campground to keep the man alive until paramedics arrived.