An extra chance to save a life in Upper Hutt

People in Upper Hutt will be better equipped to save a life with the installation of an automated external defibrillator (AED) at Upper Hutt train station at 9.30am, Saturday 23 July.

The public defibrillator is being funded by the Rimutaka Lions, and is part of a plan involving them, Wellington Free Ambulance, and Greater Wellington Regional Council to get AEDs in train stations around the region.

"We wanted to do something for our local community, so we're thrilled to be funding a piece of equipment that literally saves lives.  Cardiac arrest can strike anyone, any time so it makes perfect sense to have these machines right there in one of the most public spots there are," says Karen Cheeseman of the Rimutaka Lions.

On average four people suffer a cardiac arrest somewhere in the Greater Wellington Region every week.  All the evidence shows the best chance of survival is to have a community where people are trained in CPR, and have access to an AED.

Wellington Free Ambulance's Lloyd Morrison Heartbeat Coordinator Amy Williams, says that the chances of survival go up tenfold when people use the defibrillator. 

"They are totally automated and easy to use.  A voice in the machine literally takes you through all the steps one by one, and stops you the moment you do something wrong. 

"Lots of people think they look technical and scary, but they're not.  Simply stepping in and using one in an emergency can literally mean the difference between life and death," Amy Williams says. 

The defibrillator is one of four to be installed at Metlink railway stations across the region, with further units planned for Waterloo, Porirua and Waikanae.

"We're delighted to work with Wellington Free Ambulance, Rimutaka Lions and future donors to increase the safety of our community and our commuters," says Paul Swain, Greater Wellington Regional Council’s public transport portfolio leader.

For more information about CPR training and AEDs visit www.wfa.org.nz/Heartbeat.

Information for media:

For more information contact Wellington Free Ambulance 027 220 5602, Greater Wellington Regional Council 021 914266.