Near-death sparks purchase of device

PRECIOUS EQUIPMENT: Chester Borrows hands the new community defibrillator to Karen Smith of Waverley Four Square.PHOTO/BEVAN CONLEY 030815WCBRCWAV02

A LOCAL man nearly dying of a heart attack outside Waverley Four Square was the catalyst for the community to raise $3500 for a life-saving defibrillator.

The man who collapsed was given CPR for about 10 minutes by Bridget Alexander who worked across the road and had gone to the store and saw the medical emergency unfold.

The CPR saved the man's life.

Ms Alexander said the man's heart stopped twice before emergency services arrived.

"He nearly died."

After the near tragic event, police liaison-officer Brian Rook said the town needed to have a defibrillator on hand for such events.

And Waverley Community Patrol co-ordinator Margaret Woodham got to work immediately trying to raise the money.

They applied for funding to the Taranaki Health Board, and money was donated by Four Square and the shop next door, E C Dallison & Sons, also gave money, Mrs Woodham said.

Yesterday outside the Four Square a group of Waverley Community Patrol members gathered as Whanganui MP Chester Borrows presented the defibrillator.

Mr Borrows congratulated the community, saying it was a testament to the spirit of Waverley how the community had supported each other and really cared about the welfare of the town.

"This is really about looking after one another and the people of Waverley do it really well.

"This is a strong community with people who really care."

The defibrillator will be in the care of the owners of Four Square, Viv and Karen Smith, who will keep it in their home behind the shop.

Mr Smith said the shop was open seven days a weeks from 6.30am to 8pm.

"We are always here and easy to contact even if it is the middle of the night.

"The defibrillator will be available at all times."