Manawatū Community Trust brings emergency support closer to home
Manawatū Community Trust is rolling out the installation of ten defibrillators, also known as AEDs, across central Feilding. The AEDs will be accessible 24/7 and located in residential areas where they can support both Trust tenants and the wider community.
AEDs are portable medical devices that can help save a person’s life if they suffer a sudden cardiac arrest. In an emergency, the first step is to dial 111. Emergency services will provide the caller with access details for the AED and will stay on the line to give instructions on how to assess the person, start CPR if needed, and use the device. The AED also gives clear voice instructions to guide the user through the process and checks the person’s heart rhythm before deciding whether a shock is needed. AEDs are designed to be used by members of the public, even if they have no medical training.
Trust Manager, Teresa Hague, says the Trust wanted the AEDs to provide benefit beyond its own housing complexes.
“When the Trust first investigated the idea of installing AEDs within its Feilding complexes, we wanted them to be available not only for our tenants, but also for the wider community. Having AEDs clearly visible and accessible 24/7 significantly increases the chance of being able to save lives in an emergency,” says Teresa.
The AEDs will be located close to footpaths within residential areas, including Queen Street, Cedar Crescent, Fitzroy Street, Shelton Place, Tate Place, Beattie Street, Denbigh Street, Derby Street, Cargill Avenue, and the corner of Monckton and Denbigh Streets.
“The Trust will manage the ongoing maintenance of the AEDs to ensure they remain reliable, safe, and accessible,” says Teresa.
The project has been supported by Eastern and Central Community Trust, who made a donation toward the project, and by Hato Hone St John, who will provide training on how to use the devices.
Hato Hone St John will be delivering 'Steps for Life' training sessions as follows:
Wednesday, 26 August 2026 at 3.00 pm at the Manawatū Community Hub Libraries, 64 Stafford Street, Feilding
Thursday, 24 September 2026 at 3.00 pm at the Manawatū Community Trust Office, 1/100 Awahuri Road, Feilding
These sessions are open to anyone in the Manawatū community and are an opportunity to build confidence and be better prepared to respond in an emergency.
Anyone interested in attending any of the training sessions is encouraged to contact the Manawatū Community Trust Office on (06) 324 0491 to register their interest.
