Compact defibrillator installed at aerodrome

January 13th, 2014

A device like the one at Skydive Abel Tasman

Skydive Abel Tasman has installed a potentially life-saving automated external defibrillator (AED) at the Motueka Aerodrome.

This device will be available for use by other commercial and recreational users of the airport, as well as people in the surrounding residential neighbourhood, in case of anyone experiencing cardiac arrest.

Skydive Abel Tasman, which operates the skydiving activities, says that after some effort, and with the assistance of an anonymous donor and the help of St-John's Ambulance, their initiative to obtain an AED has been successful.

The unit is about the size of a lunchbox. It is activated by opening the lid, and after initial placement of the electrode pads on the patient the device analyses the patient's condition. It then prompts the user to push a button to administer the shock if needed.

The unit is also on the GPS locator for all automated external defibrillators in the region as part of a nationwide project.

AEDs are increasingly being placed in public places around the world for use in emergencies by people with little or no training, much as fire extinguishers are now commonplace. There are now over 100,000 installed worldwide.

The device to be used at Motueka aerodrome comes with instructions, diagrams and voice prompts to show whether a life-threatening heart rhythm has been detected, where to place the pads and how to deliver the shock.

Statistical survival rates fall by about 10 per cent for each minute that passes between a patient collapse and delivery of electrical defibrillation.

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