When a Nelmac worker became “semi critical” after slipping while cleaning the Motueka Saltwater Baths in August last year, the alarm was raised at a Motueka Community Board public forum for a nearby automated external defibrillator (AED).
Now should an emergency occur, a $5000 installed lifesaving device, protected behind safe-break glass, is a few paces away.
Funded by the Motueka Community Board Special Projects scheme, the AED was purchased on behalf of the board by Motueka Regional Ambulance staff Debbie and Danny Fowler.
The cycling group Easiriders Motueka, led by Kevin Fourie, also gave the project a shot in the arm with $1070 it raised at a recent quiz night at the local Sprig & Fern, which will be enough to fund up to five replacement AED pads.
It plans to keep the fundraising wheels turning to help cover future replacements as well.
Board chair Claire Hutt says that with the previously nearest AED to the baths at Talleys, the critical piece of medical infrastructure was “grand” for the popular spot.
