New automated defibrillators for Wellington region
Wellington Free Ambulance is installing five new automated defibrillators (used to help victims of cardiac arrest), around the Wellington region.
Each defibrillator station including the defibrillator, cabinet and signage is worth around $4000.
The first defibrillator station will be mounted on the outside wall of the Kilbirnie Community Centre in Bay Road. The AED will be accessible 24/7. It has been paid for by the Rotary Club of Wellington.
The second defibrillator station is being installed at the Southern Cross Garden Bar and the money for that has been raised by bar management, the Rotary Club of Wellington and the local Positively Wellington Business Network International group. The Rotary Club of Wellington has been instrumental working with Wellington Free Ambulance over the last two years in installing a number of these life-saving stations for use by the community.
The third defibrillator station is being mounted on the outside wall of the Mitre 10 Megastore in Upper Hutt. This will be available 24/7 to local residents, businesses and those visiting the Maidstone Park across the road. Money for this defibrillator station has been raised by the local Soroptimist Club. Wellington Free Ambulance will conduct special training for local people about how to use the automated defibrillators in Upper Hutt in December.
Finally, two defibrillator stations will be installed in Wainuiomata – one at Brookefields Scout Camp and the other at Camp Wainui.
The Wainuiomata defibrillator stations have been funded in memory of Angela De Boer through her Memorial Fund administered by the Riddiford Lions Club, Pencarrow Lions Club and Wainuiomata Lions Club. The Angela De Boer fund has made available $20,000 to install defibrillator stations in the Wainuiomata community. Wellington Free Ambulance is currently looking for two more suitable sites in Wainuiomata.