Another rural defibrillator installed

Wednesday, 28 August, saw a crowd of about 30 locals assembled at Ruakokoputuna Community Hall as an AED was installed and a CPR course held.

AED? Automatic External Defibrillator _ in common language a heart reboot machine.

CPR? An “incredibly worthwhile and hugely successful” Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation course, held for locals at the time of the installation.

Every week an average of four to five people suffer a cardiac arrest in the Wairarapa/

Wellington region.

The Ruakokoputuna community unanimously agreed that an AED device should be installed. Even those who weren’t asked agreed it would be a good idea.

With help from the Martinborough Community Board and Wellington Free Ambulance, the AED is now attached to the outside of the hall. 

As one resident noted, it’s a fantastic asset and reassuring to know that the chances of survival after a heart has arrested have been increased hugely.

Cardiac arrest can strike anyone at any time, but risk factors also increase the chances, so this ensures that some people will be prepared.

Other AEDs are situated across the southern motu, including Hinekura Hall, Ngawi, Pirinoa Hall and in two depots _ Fire Station and Council offices in Martinborough. Another 8 – 10 AEDs are located at local business premises including, naturally, Martinborough Medical Centre and Martinborough Golf Course. 

Caption: Ruakokoputuna locals team up for CPR and AED training to help save peoples’ lives.