Lifesaving medical equipment stolen

Heartless thieves have stolen vital medical equipment from Paihia’s isite that has already saved a British tourist’s life.

The automated external defibrillator (AED) was taken on Friday night after the box containing the equipment was forced open. Disappointed staff at the Marsden Road isite discovered the theft on Saturday morning.

Far North District Council is working to find a replacement before any lives are put at risk, and police have been informed.

In December last year, the defibrillator was used to save the life of a tourist who was having a heart attack outside the isite building. Visitor Centre Consultant Chris Albrecht grabbed the defibrillator and attached the adhesive pads to the man’s chest. By following the instructions, he was able to restart the man’s heart and get him breathing again before he was airlifted to hospital.

All Far North District Council isite centres have defibrillators available for public use in an emergency.

Automated external defibrillators (AEDs) pass a brief electrical current through the heart so the body’s natural pacemaker can re-establish a proper rhythm. AEDs won’t give a person an electric shock unless it is necessary, meaning that no one can be harmed by the device. Simple voice and visual instructions make it easy for anyone to use an AED in an emergency.

If anyone has any information about this theft, they are urged to contact police. For more information about AEDs visit the St John website, where you’ll also find a video on how to use the equipment.

Photo: The AED pictured here was stolen on Friday night from the Paihia isite.