The anytime, anywhere threat of heart attack will be better met in Wairarapa when a Trust House funded rollout of lifesaving defibrillators is launched next week.
More than 1000 New Zealanders go into cardiac arrest outside hospitals each year, and of those just 8 percent survive.
After more than a year's planning, the new Wairarapa DHB and St John backed scheme will boost the chance of survival for victims as 30 automated external defibrillators (AED) are stationed across the region.
"Trust House supported this project for the 40 or more people who suffer a sudden heart attack in the Wairarapa every year," Trust House chairman Brian Bourke said.
"We want to have the defibrillators available to ensure we are supporting all of our communities."
An AED is a piece of clinical equipment that provides a safe electric shock to restart the heart.
During a sudden cardiac arrest, the heart stops beating effectively and begins to defibrillate, or twitch rapidly. This means blood is not pumped around the body, and without help a victim is more likely to die.
A person in cardiac arrest needs to have CPR administered, and the use of a defibrillator with CPR greatly increases chances of survival.
AEDs are easy to use and automatically deliver a controlled electric shock to the heart, which allows it to resume beating.
They provide clear, audible instructions on how to perform CPR and continue to monitor a patient's condition until an ambulance arrives.
"People who go into cardiac arrest need immediate CPR and early access to a defibrillator," St John Central Region general manager Phil Rankin said.
"If someone's heart has stopped beating effectively, there can be less than 10 minutes available to reverse the chance to save their lives.
"Giving the community the equipment and expertise to help save lives will build community resilience in the most amazing way," Mr Rankin said.
Wairarapa DHB and St John have chosen locations where the machines will be installed over the next six months and familiarisation training for up to 10 people in each location begins this month.
The sites selected for Masterton are Solway Park, Kuripuni Tavern, Café Strada and Regent 3, Shell Chapel Street, Lansdowne Golf Club, Mahunga Golf Club, Masterton Bowling Club and Mitre 10 Ngaumutawa Road.
The scheme will be launched on Tuesday morning at a special function at Masterton's Copthorne Hotel and Resort Solway Park.