Cigna, GrownUps and Heart Saver NZ have joined forces to address the urgent need for AEDs (automated external defibrillators) in New Zealand.
That’s why from June this year until June 2018, they’ll be giving away two AEDs each month to a worthy community group, school or not-for-profit organisation as part of the “Become a Heart Saver” campaign.
The sad truth is that sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) is the leading cause of death in New Zealand.
Heart Saver NZ reports that five Kiwis suffer SCA every day and for every minute without CPR or defibrillation, a patient’s chance of survival falls by 10 to 15%.
So what can we do?
That’s where AEDs can really save the day. Also commonly referred to as a defibrillator, an AED is a portable medical device that can automatically assess a patient’s heart rhythm.
It judges whether defibrillation is needed and, if required, administers an electric shock through the chest wall to the heart. Having speedy access to an AED can make the difference between life and death.
Patients who are defibrillated within the first three to five minutes of cardiac arrest have the greatest chance of surviving.
Your health is the most important asset you can protect and Cigna and GrownUps are committed to helping improve the lives of New Zealanders through health, wellbeing and sense of security solutions.
In New Zealand, there should be 10,000 AEDs, there are currently only 6,000. By giving away two AEDs each month as part of Heart Saver NZ’s “Become a Heart Saver” campaign, these three organisations are working together to help increase the number of AED units available to all Kiwis.
With the number of people dying from sudden cardiac arrest five times greater than the national road toll, there is a very real need to do something to address the problem. Become a Heart Saver and help a deserving community organisation, charity, school or recreational club to win an AED.
Having an AED close to hand really can be the difference between life and death – and Cigna, Heart Saver and Grownups are giving away two AEDs a month to a deserving community organisation, charity, school or recreational club. To enter, head to the Heart Saver NZ website and fill out the form – it only takes a few minutes and could save someones life.
What is sudden cardiac arrest?
It occurs when the heart suddenly and unexpectedly stops functioning.
How can you spot sudden cardiac arrest?
A sudden cardiac arrest strikes without warning, the patient will suddenly become unresponsive
and will not be breathing.
What do you need to do?
Administer CPR and access an AED as soon as you can. Even if you’re not confident doing CPR, it’s better to do something than nothing.
How do I use an AED?
You don’t have to be medically qualified, the machine will guide you through the rescue process using voice or visual prompts.
All statistics and SCA facts provided by Heart Saver NZ.
