In an emergency always call 111.
The AED is stored in a stainless steel box on the street facing wall of the public changing rooms in the Hank Edwards Reserve. To unlock the box call 111 and give the address and Postcode 5573. You will be given a combination number. Full instructions play on the defibrillator.
Waikawa Beach AED defibrillator.
Inside the weatherproof box is the defibrillator kit which is regularly checked and maintained. The photos below show the kit and what’s inside.
The AED is provided by the Waikawa Beach Ratepayers Association as a service to the community.
When to use a defibrillator
A defibrillator delivers a safe electric shock to restart a heart that has stopped beating. WebMD says:
The first step in saving a life is being able to recognize an emergency. Know the warning signs of a heart attack. Anyone who is unresponsive should receive emergency care. If you are with someone who complains of chest pain and then collapses, odds are he or she is having a heart attack or is in cardiac arrest. If possible, have someone else call [111] while you start CPR.
How to use a defibrillator
The 111 operator will talk you through how to start CPR and the AED has instructions on how to use it. It involves placing pads on a person’s chest, letting the AED analyse what’s needed and then pressing a button if the machine instructs you to.
Why do I need an AED?
St John’s says:
- Each year more than 2,000 New Zealanders will suffer a cardiac arrest outside of hospital
- For 64% of cardiac arrests a bystander will perform CPR
- People may show no warnings or prior symptoms and 15% survive to hospital discharge following a cardiac arrest
- Use of an AED within 3-5 min of collapse can increase the chance of survival by up to 40%
Automated External Defibrillator (AED) PSA from St. John Ambulance – Alberta on Vimeo.