“Early defibrillation combined with CPR can improve survival rates to as high as 74% when defibrillation is provided within three minutes of collapse. For every minute that is wasted, the chance of survival decreases 7-10%.” [Quremed]
On 17 May 2016, Tawa Rotarians and guests from Tawa Lions were provided with training on CPR and using a defibrillator . Training was provided by Wellington Free Ambulance with support from the Tawa Fire Service.
Advice received from Wellington Free Ambulance that you can save a life. Each week, 3 Wellingtonians fall victim to sudden cardiac arrest. It can happen to anyone at any time, without any known heart disease or other risk factors. Remember your DRSABCDs * see table. Download the free AED Locations app from iTunes or Google play.
Pictured left - Rotary Exchange student, Helena putting into practice the instruction we all received on steps to applying CPR while the 111-call is made to get help from emergency services.
DRSABCDs *
| D | Danger | Check the area for dangers |
| R | Response | Check for a response |
| S | Send |
Send for help (111) |
| A | Airway |
Open airway |
| B | Breathing |
Check for breathing (listen, look, feel) |
| C | CPR |
Start CPR (chest compressions) |
| D | Defibrillation |
Apply defibrillator if available. |