Previously, council had a defibrillator located in the foyer area outside the Manawatū room, in the white box which is alarmed.

AEDs are portable and lightweight, and they help to analyse someone’s heart rhythm. If necessary, it will automatically deliver an electric shock to help restore the natural rhythm. AED’s require no training for user. Someone who uses them will be aided by a voice prompt from the machine itself, giving instructions to those who aren’t familiar with how to use them.

To access their use in the event of an emergency outside of work hours, people will need to call 111 and explain where they are and what the situation is. The dispatcher will provide the caller with a pin number to access the AED. During work hours, a person will be able to access the pin number from our front of house team.

SCA is one of the leading causes of death in New Zealand, and many workplaces and public facilities are now fitted with AED’s, which can help provide immediate assistance to those who may suffer from a heart attack. AED’s can increase the survival chances of someone who suffers from a SCA by up to 44 percent.

While we hope that no one has to use this AED, it gives us peace of mind that it will be available to anyone who does need it, and it gives victims of SCA a fighting chance of surviving.