New AED at Orere Point set to save locals and visitors alike

Locals and visitors at Orere Point now have easy access to a life-saving AED installed outside the clinic, opposite the general store.

The OCBC have purchased the AED along with an external cabinet. Access to the AED is gained by calling the number on the cabinet and being told the opening code.

Here's why we have it

Sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) is one of the leading causes of death in New Zealand. It can happen to anyone – anywhere.

Having an AED (Automated External Defibrillator) in our community at OP can make the difference between life and death. An AED can increase someone’s survival chances by up to 44 percent. Without an AED the chance of survival decreases by 10 percent for each minute that passes without defibrillation.

What is an AED (Automated External Defibrillator)?

An AED is a lightweight, portable device that that analyses the heart’s rhythm and if necessary, delivers an electric shock, known as defibrillation, to help restore the heart’s natural rhythm.

Modern AEDs are designed to be used by someone with little or no training. Through visual and voice prompts, AEDs guide users through an emergency by diagnosing the victim’s heart rhythm and advising on the steps to take.

Chain of survival

When a person experiences SCA, there’s a series of events, called the Chain of Survival that will make it more likely that the person can survive the SCA.

The six links in the Chain of survival are:

1. Recognise the symptoms – check for a response (eg, ask them “can you hear me?”) and check for a pulse.

2. Dial 111 and ask for the ambulance.

3. Start CPR.

4. Attach defibrillator – follow instructions on the AED.

5. Wait for the ambulance – continue CPR.

6. Hospital – person is transferred to hospital.