Community
- ILT and St John celebrate 80 AEDs installed across Invercargill.
- Ascot Four Square’s new AED enhances community access and health shuttle support.
- Ongoing partnership ensures AED maintenance and offers public awareness training.
The installation of the 80th Automated External Defibrillator (AED) in Invercargill highlights a major milestone in a collaborative effort by Group ILT and St John. This achievement fittingly aligns with ILT’s 80th anniversary and underlines its ongoing commitment to community well-being.
The newly installed AED is located outside Ascot Four Square at 654 Tay Street in a 24/7 accessible lockbox. This device replaces an expired unit, restoring an essential resource to the area. Store owners Tracey and Graeme Neilson expressed their delight in being part of the programme, with Tracey noting the impact the AED has on the community:
“When we took the expired AED down, it was amazing how many people noticed and pointed it out to us. We didn’t realise how many lives it impacted until it wasn’t there. It’s great to have it back and know it will be properly maintained going forward.”
The location is especially significant as Ascot Four Square serves as the last pick-up point for St John’s health shuttle to Dunedin. The health shuttle team is pleased to have this life-saving equipment readily available again.
ILT President Paddy O’Brien praised the collaboration, saying:
“Together, we’ve installed 80 AEDs across the city, ensuring these lifesaving devices are readily accessible to our community. The addition of this AED to the partnership in such a prominent location, is a fitting way to commemorate our 80th anniversary and give back to the community that has supported us throughout the years.”
This partnership, first celebrated in 2019 with 75 AEDs marking ILT’s 75th anniversary, has since expanded. Funding from the ILT Foundation ensures the replacement of batteries, pads, and ongoing maintenance to keep every device in working condition.
Community Engagement Coordinator for St John, Tracy Kilkelly, emphasised the importance of the AED Locations app, which helps users find the nearest device:
“It’s simple to use and could help save a life when it matters most. But first and foremost, always call 111 in an emergency.”
Additionally, the Ascot Four Square team will receive hands-on training through the “Three Steps for Life” session, ensuring they are confident in operating the equipment when needed.
This AED initiative is a shining example of a partnership dedicated to enhancing community safety and well-being. For more details on AED locations, visit aedlocations.co.nz