Taupo Library gets a defibrillator
Thursday 5 November 2009, 8:42AM
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Taupo District Council has recently purchased a defibrilltor for the Taupo Public Library, as part of a plan to have these life-saving devices strategically placed in and around the CBD.
The LifePak 1000CR Plus Automated External Defibrillator (AED) is a battery powered unit, able to restart a person’s heart virtually anywhere. Four Taupo Library staff members have received special training on how to use the device in case of an emergency.
Moira Pereira is one of the four staff that has received the training. “I sincerely hope that I never have to use it, but if I need to I know that I can.”
The library was chosen because of its central location in the town’s CBD, and high number of users, particularly the elderly. The overall plan, as envisaged by Fairway Management Ltd, is to see Taupo become a leader in New Zealand promoting a “Heart Safe” environment, for locals and tourists alike. Businesses in the CBD are also being encouraged to invest in an AED.
Taupo District Council was approached about the initiative by Fairway Management, who arrange the placement of heart defibrillators for community groups and sporting facilities. Euan Fergusson from Fairway Management says that currently 3900 New Zealanders suffer Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA) each year. “This collapsing can unexpectedly happen from electrical current in the heart going ‘haywire’. These victims need a lifesaving pulse of electricity via an AED to restart their heart. The importance of early defibrillation cannot be overemphasised with survival chances decreasing by 10 percent with each minute passing.”
“An AED is about the size of a small laptop computer, which actually talks the user through the process in non medical terms. It is easy and safe to use and has a simple 1-2-3 stepped operation,” said Mr Fergusson.
Taupo District Council Community Manager Tina Jakes was in full support of the initiative. “I think it’s a superb idea. The more of these life-saving machines around the better; you never know when someone will need one and the paramedics might be just too late on the scene. I think this will give the community a great deal of confidence.”