As part of last year’s successful Shocktober campaign, which saw over 35,000 New Zealanders taught how to save a life, MAS ran an AED giveaway, calling for people to nominate a community organisation they felt was deserving of this impactful prize.
Macleans Primary School was nominated by school staff member Kathryn Stankovic, who noted that their closest known AED was located at Macleans College, which is approximately 850 metres away. Macleans Primary School was then randomly selected by MAS as the lucky winner.
Matthew Cooke, Macleans Primary School principal and who accepted the AED on behalf of his students and staff, says he and his team are incredibly grateful to receive such a significant gift.
“Macleans Primary thanks Hato Hone St John and MAS for their support in providing and installing the machine. A thank you also goes to our staff member Kathryn, who made the initial nomination for Macleans Primary to receive this AED,” says Mr. Cooke.
The device is housed in a fluorescent yellow lock box on an exterior wall near the school office, which can be unlocked by calling 111 for an ambulance and following the emergency call handler’s instructions.
Mia Noyes, Hato Hone St John 3 Steps for Life Delivery Lead, emphasises the importance of AED use in the event of sudden cardiac arrest.
“When an AED is used alongside CPR, it can double a person’s chance of survival during a cardiac emergency, where every minute counts. This is why it’s part of our 3 Steps for Life programme – calling 111 for an ambulance, starting CPR, and using an AED.”
Ms. Noyes attended the February presentation alongside local MAS Advisors, Esha Puggal and Andy Schlaffer.
“I would like to extend our sincere thanks to the team at MAS for supporting Shocktober and making this generous donation. There is no doubt it will make a life-changing difference for the people of East Auckland when it matters most,” says Ms. Noyes.
Jo McCauley, MAS Chief Executive, says, “MAS was founded by doctors to care for those who care for others. Supporting the 3 Steps for Life programme is a natural extension of that legacy.
“By donating this AED to Macleans Primary School, we’re giving this community immediate access to lifesaving support if it’s ever needed. It’s a practical way we can stand alongside Hato Hone St John to strengthen community resilience and help improve survival outcomes across Aotearoa,” says Ms. McCauley.
Following the AED presentation, junior students at Macleans Primary School were invited to a Save Your Teddy session, led by Ms. Noyes. These sessions build children’s awareness of how their actions can save lives in the event of cardiac arrest, through practice and sharing their learning with loved ones.
Ms. Noyes will also be returning to the school to teach the remaining students, as well as deliver a 3 Steps for Life session for the staff in the coming weeks.