AED at Swannanoa School
A new lifesaving device has just been installed at Swannanoa School.
The Automated External Defibrillator (AED) is located on the wall outside the entrance to the school hall.
Principal Brian Price said it’s peace of mind having the device at school.
‘‘We had a scare a while back with a staff member. We had to call 111 and we were told to get our defib ready, but of course we didn’t have one.’’
Church 360 uses the school hall for services on Sundays and pastor Rory Nimmo said the church was more than happy to step in and provide the AED.
‘‘It’s a pleasure to be able to help the community. We use the hall every Sunday and it’s important for us to give back and acknowledge that great relationship we have with the school and the wider community.’’
Jeremy Cowan, a professional fire fighter in St Albans, is also a member of the church and said he knows first hand how important AED’s are in a community.
‘‘Lives will be saved. CPR is good, but this gives people that extra chance of survival,’’ Cowan said. He said the AED NZ app showed there was a gap in the Swannanoa area.
Price said his staff had AED training with their first aid training, however he said the device is actually easy to use and directs you through the process.