Te Raekura Redcliffs School principal Nick Leith and Sumner Ferrymead Foundation trustee John Christensen
The Sumner Ferrymead Foundation provided Te Raekura Redcliffs School with the funds to purchase an automated external defibrillator – or an AED as they are commonly known – after former principal Rose McInerney heard how a grandparent at another school had a cardiac arrest when dropping of their grandchild. One of her last actions was to contact the Foundation to see if they could assist in the purchase of an AED for the school.
An AED is a portable medical device that is used when a person is suffering a cardiac arrest. Sudden cardiac arrest is one of the leading causes of death in NZ and is caused by an electrical problem unlike a heart attack which is caused by a blood circulation problem. The device analyses the heart’s rhythm and, when required, delivers an electric shock to help re-establish an effective rhythm; this can increase someone’s survival chances by up to 44%. They are intended for use by the general public as the device tells you exactly what to do.
Current principal Nick Leith said they chose an AED that can be used on both children and adults at a flick of a switch given it was located at the school. “We have sited it on the main building where its clearly visible whether you enter the school from the Main Rd entrance or from Beachville Rd. We’d encourage all residents to familiarise themselves with its location just in case they need to use it one day.
Sumner Ferrymead Foundation trustee, John Christensen, said this was the second AED unit the Foundation has funded. “We are all about locals helping locals, and this is a perfect example how we can add value to our community. Like an insurance policy, you hope it won’t be needed, but if the need arises it’s good to know it’s there. Given more than 2000 New Zealanders are treated for sudden cardiac arrest in the community, the risk is real. There are several apps you can put on your phone that list the locations of AEDs closest to you, it is something we should all consider doing now rather than waiting for the emergency to arise.