Community pulls together to make public defibrillator available in Ngongotahā

People involved in the process of Ngongotahā getting a new defibrillator gather to see it, with the $1000 cheque also being handed over. Photo/Shauni James

A 24/7 public defibrillator in Ngongotahā is now available thanks to the generosity of local organisations, businesses and people.

The drive to have a defibrillator installed came after emergency services were not able to attend two local emergencies and a public defibrillator was not handy.

Ngongotahā JP Graham Drabble did some research and discovered the closest one available to the public was at the lights on the corner of Clayton Rd.

Progress Ngongotahā, with the support of Graham Drabble, took responsibility to buy the defibrillator so that there was 24 hour public access to a easily accessible machine.

The defibrillator is now situated free of charge at the Ngongotahā Gull Service Station.

A major contributor to the 'Defibrillator Donation Fund' was the Ngongotahā Motor Caravan Association.

Other contributors were Gull, Finz, and private donations.

Graham says, with the well wishes of Gull, it has been wonderful to see the defibrillator installed for the community.

"We would like to raise more money so we have enough to keep replacing the pads."

New Zealand Motor Caravan Association committee member Lorraine Howarth says the group donated $1000.

She says seeing the defibrillator now available is amazing.

"The more we get it out there and having people know how to use it is the main thing."

Progress Ngongotahā intend to hold an education evening with St John's Ambulance to teach people how to operate the defibrillator.

This will be held at the Ngongotahā Community Hall, with a date to be advised.

It is hoped that shop owners and the general public will attend.

A notice will be published in the Rotorua Daily Post's What's On list, Neighbourly, and in Progress Ngongotahā's 'Village Focus' e-news. For a copy email progressngongotaha@gmail.com.

Progress Ngongotahā still require donations towards the upkeep of the machine, and this will be ongoing.

To talk to someone about making a donation, email Progress Ngongotaha with the subject 'Defibrillator Donation'.

"On behalf of the community we pass on our grateful, heartfelt thanks to our six major funders - without your generosity this would not have been possible.

"We also look forward to more businesses and individuals coming on board to help to keep this service going."