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In a significant boost to community safety, Gulf Harbour residents now have 24/7 access to an Automated External Defibrillator (AED).
This is a portable electronic device designed to diagnose and treat life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias. It delivers an electric shock to help restore a normal heart rhythm. AEDs are user-friendly, providing clear, step-by-step voice and visual instructions, enabling people without medical training to operate them effectively.
Previously, the community’s only defibrillator was located inside the Gulf Harbour Country Club, but this was lost when the clubhouse burned down in May 2024, leaving residents without a nearby defibrillator.
Recognising the critical need, Gulf Harbour School sought support to install a defibrillator freely accessible to everyone at all hours.
Gulf Harbour School principal Mel Crosbie says they decided to get one installed as their facilities are used by a lot of families out of hours and on the weekends.
“When we suggested it, the community got on board in support and helped us with some initial fundraising,” she says.
The school then approached the Rotary Club of Whangaparāoa for further support, which they were more than happy to provide Rotary club member Graeme Hills says.
“In the past we have supported the installation of publicly accessible defibrillators with Coast businesses and sports clubs like Red Beach Surf Life Saving Club, and we have worked with Gulf Harbour School on other projects, Hill says.” When they asked about suppling and installing a defibrillator in Gulf Harbour, we had no hesitation in saying yes.”
With this backing, the school purchased and installed the defibrillator in a weatherproof 24/7 access cabinet, complete with clear signs, on the entrance wall of the school office.
According to the New Zealand Resuscitation Council, using a publicly accessible AED before emergency services arrive can be a life-saving game changer during cardiac emergencies.
Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA) is a leading cause of death in NZ, affecting over 2000 individuals annually. SCA occurs when the heart unexpectedly stops beating, leading to a loss of blood flow to the brain and other vital organs. According to medical experts, immediate intervention is crucial, as the chances of survival decrease by approximately 10 per cent with each passing minute without defibrillation.
Despite the proven benefits of AEDs, their accessibility in NZ is limited. A 2019 study in Hamilton, published in the NZ Medical Journal, found that out of 50 listed AED locations, only seven per cent were continuously available to the public, with limited access after 6 pm and on weekends, and none were located outdoors.
The website https://aedlocations.co.nz lists the locations of AED devices in New Zealand.
