The Kina Peninsula community in Tasman Bay have been concerned they’re too far away from help if there’s an emergency, but thanks to Cigna, Heart Saver and GrownUps, help now sits on their doorstep should it be needed.
Kina Peninsula community are the Christmas recipients of December’s Become a Heart Saver Campaign, which gives away two AEDs every month to community groups, sports teams and not for profits with the intention of getting more AEDs around the country, making them more available to everyday Kiwis.
Kina Peninsula is close to Motueka, in the Tasman/Nelson region. Paul Bell, whose family have had a bach in Kina Peninsula for nearly 60 years, is over the moon that they now have a defibrillator available in the community.
“We’ve been wanting one for a while now and have been worried about what could happen to someone up at the Domain or one of the elderly folk who live here. It’s just wonderful to have the peace of mind that help is close to hand if it is ever needed.”
The eight houses on the peninsula are mostly baches but there are some elderly residents who enjoy the serenity all year round. During the summer period the community is regularly filled with visitors who come for day trips to enjoy water-skiing, picnics and walks in the area.
Paul’s family intends to serve their community by placing the AED in an accessible place for year round access at their bach. They are also going to put a sign on their gate so passers-by know there is one nearby. While an AED can be operated by anyone and doesn’t require any training, it is useful to familiarise yourself with it so Paul plans to arrange training for local residents so they are confident if they ever need to use it.
“We hope don’t need to use it. I look at it like having an insurance policy, for just in case,” he says.
