At Heart Saver, we believe that every New Zealander deserves fast, life-saving care, no matter where they live, work, or go to school. But our mission is about more than just supplying defibrillators or first-aid training. It’s about supporting communities and believing in the simple, powerful way Kiwis look out for each other.
Here’s a story that captures that spirit perfectly: two organisations, perfect timing and a generous act that could one day save a life.
Glenfield College on Auckland’s North Shore has been with Heart Saver from the very beginning. In 2012, we helped them secure a grant for their first AED70000, which was a big step in making their campus safer. Since then, we’ve stuck together: training staff, supplying equipment, and supporting a school community we’ve come to know and admire.
As the school grew, so did their need for extra coverage. Their campus had expanded, and their after-hours gym – open to students and community groups – was busier than ever. It was clear one AED was no longer enough.
However, like many schools across New Zealand, they faced the challenge of funding.
Then, we got a call from Glen Eden RSA, another long-standing Heart Saver customer. They’d recently been gifted a second AED, but, given the size and nature of the RSA, two AED’s were not needed.
Instead of storing the extra AED unit away, they thought of others and asked: "Do you know someone who could use this?" We did.
We worked with both teams to coordinate the donation. Before delivering the unit, we made sure it was ready for use:
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A new AED battery
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A new set of adult electrode pads
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A full check to ensure it would be ready for use in case of a sudden cardiac arrest emergency.
It was with great pride in our community that we drove the newly refurbished AED across Auckland and handed it over to Glenfield College.
Now, the school’s second AED lives in the school gym, ready to serve not just students and teachers, but the many community members who use the space in the evenings and weekends.
Here’s what Lesley Elliot, Glenfield College’s First Aid Coordinator, had to say:
“We gratefully accept your offer. It will be placed in our school gym, which is regularly used by other groups after hours and on weekends, so a defib there would be much appreciated.”
“I hope it never has to be used, but it is reassuring to know that it’s there, just in case.”
At Heart Saver, stories like this remind us why we exist: to build a safer New Zealand for all of us, one AED at a time.
So here’s a gentle nudge: if your AED is nearing the end of its deemed useful life, if you’re replacing it, or if you’ve got one you no longer need – we’d love you to think about donating it.
That single act could be exactly what another school, marae, sports club, or rural community needs. Get in touch and we’d be happy to help.
Having an AED on-site could be the best decision you ever make for you, your team and community.
Purchase or replace your AED here.
When Should You Replace Your AED?
Most AEDs (Automated External Defibrillators) have a ‘deemed useful life’ of around 10–12 years.
Even during that lifespan, batteries (typically 4–5 years) and pads (2–5 years) must be replaced regularly to ensure the unit is always ready to go.
Not sure how old your AED is, or what condition it’s in? Heart Saver offers annual performance testing of AEDs.
Our testing is performed on-site by one of our trained professionals using internationally recognised and industry-leading equipment and procedures. To find out more, visit our AED Testing page.
