Hato Hone St John has launched the next-generation LifeBeat Mini Defibrillator, making life-saving treatment more accessible during cardiac arrests.
The LifeBeat Mini packs the power of a full-sized defibrillator into a device around the same length and width as a mobile phone. Weighing less than 700g - around half the weight of a traditional AED - it fits easily into a glove box, handbag or first aid kit, making it easier than ever to have a defibrillator within reach when every second counts.
Last year, almost 2,500 New Zealanders were treated for cardiac arrests, but only 6% received defibrillation from a bystander before an ambulance arrived. Improving access to defibrillators in everyday settings is critical, according to Hato Hone St John.
They say early CPR and defibrillation dramatically improve survival. There is a 2.1-times greater chance of survival for patients who receive CPR from a bystander, and for every minute without CPR or defibrillation, their chance of survival falls by 10-15%.
Cardiac arrests can happen anywhere - on worksites, at home, in schools, on the sidelines of weekend sport, during remote bush walks, on the road or on the water.
The importance of being ready when it matters has been recognised by Hato Hone St John customer, Southern Lakes Swim Club.
Preparedness is a priority for the club, which has previously invested in St John defibrillators for water-based emergencies. It recently secured funding for a LifeBeat Mini to better protect its growing community of open water swimmers on Lake Wakatipu. The club attracts up to 50 swimmers aged from 18 to 70 during summer and regularly organises swims in remote locations on the lake, where there is no road access. If a cardiac emergency occurs, responders may need to reach the scene by helicopter or boat, making immediate access to a defibrillator critical.
Club founder Richie Lambert says having the LifeBeat Mini will help ensure a defibrillator is on the spot. “As our participation increases, we want to enhance safety for swimmers both at the club’s base and during excursions. We need to create a safe and supportive environment so that people can enjoy open water swimming knowing safety measures are in place.
“Our priorities were durability, portability and water resistance. We needed to know that it would work on the water and that help will be on hand wherever we swim.”
Simon Barnett, Hato Hone St John Head of Public Training & Medical Products, says having a defibrillator within reach can make all the difference.
“You don’t need to be a medical professional to save a life - you just need the right tool at the right moment,” he says. “The LifeBeat Mini is designed for both trained responders and everyday members of the community.”
Beyond its breakthrough portability, LifeBeat Mini offers all the life-saving capabilities of a traditional defibrillator. Voice prompts and intuitive smart pads guide users through every step, and the device recognises the patient's heart rhythm to deliver a shock only when required. Its dust and water-resistant design operates in temperatures from -15°C to +50°C and at altitudes of up to 5,000 metres.
Priced at $2,990 including GST, the LifeBeat Mini is aimed at businesses, households and those looking to improve emergency readiness.
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Along with the emergency ambulance service, Hato Hone St John operates a significant number of community health programmes and other activities which help build community resilience. They include Waka Ora Health Shuttles, ASB Caring Caller, St John Youth, and St John in Schools.
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Hato Hone St John also delivers event health services, medical alarm services, first aid training, and operates retail stores across the country.
For further information please contact:
Hato Hone St John media team