Theatre volunteer Jo Pratt attended a Hato Hone St John course on CPR and using an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) in her role with the Ashburton Event Centre.
It was an eye opener and has led to her fundraising for a community AED for the northern end of Tinwald, at Terrace View Retirement Village.
‘‘After attending the course on CPR and using an AED, I checked out via the app where AEDs were located in Ashburton,” Jo said.
‘‘There is only one in Tinwald accessible 24-hoursa-day at the Tinwald Rugby Club. That got me thinking and led me to begin fundraising for one to go at Terrace View.’’
There were several AEDs in Tinwald but many were located inside businesses and only available during opening hours.
The $6000 machine Jo is fundraising for, will be in a secure, locked box on the outside wall at the front entrance of the village.
‘‘The fundraising project aims to bridge the gap and provide reassurance and safety for our residents and the wider community,’’ she said.
Businesses and neighbours had been approached for donations, and to make them aware of where the AED will be located.
‘‘I already have my first donation from a business. Everyone I have spoken to is very receptive of the idea of having a community AED,’’ Jo said.
‘‘Having one (AED) readily available in our area could make a life-saving difference while waiting for emergency services to arrive.’’
- To support the project contact Jo Pratt on 021 048 0079. Donations can be left at reception at Terrace View Retirement Village. Locations of AEDs can be found at aedlocations.co.nz/
About AEDs: An AED is a portable medical device used to help someone experiencing sudden cardiac arrest. It analyses the heart’s rhythm and, if necessary, delivers an electric shock to help re-establish a normal heartbeat. AEDs are designed to be easy to use, with clear voice and visual prompts to guide even untrained bystanders through the steps. Quick use of an AED, combined with CPR, can significantly increase the chances of survival in a cardiac emergency. There is 2.8 times increased survival when an OHCA (Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest) receives bystander CPR.
