Residents of Hurunui gifted a lifesaving resource by NZ Red Cross
There were smiles all around on Wednesday 29 October 2020 at the unveiling of a new Automated External Defibrillator (AED) at The Hurunui Hotel. Funded by New Zealand Red Cross Disaster Recovery and Resistance Fund, the initiation was spearheaded by Stephen Woodbury, a Hurunui local who saw the need for this vital lifesaving resource.
Stephen Woodbury approached New Zealand Red Cross when he saw the need for a defibrillator around the area he lives in.
“It’s not been an easy job, but it’s been made so much easier by all these people involved,” says Stephen.
The Fund has enabled 14 Community AEDs to be placed at various key locations from Amberley Beach to Blenheim.
Stephen, along with Marcus Bird, New Zealand Red Cross National Product Manager, gathered residents of the Hurunui District to unveil the AED outside The Hurunui Hotel. This was a momentous occasion for both Steve and the community. The unveiling was a great way to educate the community on AED’s and how to use one in an emergency.
“Eight lives have been saved in the past 12 months from New Zealand Red Cross AEDs around the country. It’s amazing to see the commitment the people of Hurunui have to ensure resilience and safety in their community,” says Marcus Bird.
The installation of the Community AED would have not been made possible without the efforts of Stephen Woodbury, New Zealand Red Cross, Hawarden Waikari Lions, Adam and Bertha at Hurunui Hotel, Ian Conner for his electrical work, Matthew Newton for his joinery work for the transformer box, Rob Field for his consultancy, and Papanui Electrical Supplies.
Former Emergency Management Officer at Hurunui District Council Dean Eades worked with New Zealand Red Cross to establish six other AED locations around Hurunui. This would not have been made possible without the funding from Boyle River, Lyford Lodge, Conway Hall, Greta Valley sports complex, Waipara township and Amberley Beach.
There are many more AED locations around the Hurunui District, which can be downloaded from your Google Play or Apple App Store, search:AED Locations, v2.
