How do I register my defibrillator with the 111 service, so you know where it is.
To register your defibrillator with 111, Email us admin@heartstarter.org and will will arrange this for you.
What about monitoring and maintenance?
Someone will need to be responsible for monitoring and maintaining the defibrillator. This includes checking the battery and replacing parts like pads. Maintenance of the defibrillator will be required for at least 8 years before it will need to be replaced.
Our defibrillators do a daily diagnostic self-check which ensures it is ready to use. The defibrillator will flash red and bleep multiple times when something needs replacing like the pads and batteries. When this happens push email aed@heartstarter.org and we will arrange new pads and battery for you.
Do all workplaces require a defibrillator to meet Health and Safety Regulations
Defibrillators aren’t compulsory in NZ workplaces. However, under the Health and Safety at Work Act, employers are required to ensure that suitable first aid facilities are provided. The provision of a defibrillator is now a reasonable consideration in a First Aid Needs Assessment. To learn more about the Health and Safety at Work Act and the first aid needs assessment email info@heartstarter.org and we will complete and needs assessment with you.
How can a defibrillator save a life?
Each year, over 2,000 New Zealanders have a sudden cardiac arrest. That’s over 6 people per day. For every minute defibrillation is delayed the chance of survival decreases by about 10%.
What is the difference between a Heart Attack and a Cardiac Arrest?
A Heart attack and a cardiac arrest are different things.
A heart attack occurs when one of the blood vessels supplying the heart muscle with blood is blocked. The heart loses its own blood supply, and the heart muscle is injured. Some common symptoms of a heart attack include heavy, tight or crushing chest pain, feeling short of breath, and nausea. If left for too long, the heart muscle will die. A heart attack is a serious condition and can sometimes lead to a cardiac arrest. If someone has chest pain that does not ease after 10 minutes, or is very unwell, call 111 for an Ambulance.
A cardiac arrest is where someone’s heart suddenly stops beating, they are unresponsive and not breathing normally. If someone is in cardiac arrest, start CPR, call 111 for an ambulance, and send someone to get a defibrillator. A person in cardiac arrest requires CPR to keep the blood pumping around the body. CPR is pushing hard and fast on the chest with 30 compressions and breathing in the mouth with 2 breaths. This is performed continuously, 30 to 2 no matter who, until help arrives. If a defibrillator is available place the pads on the chest and follow the instructions.
Always use a defibrillator if someone is unresponsive and not breathing normally.
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Rising Incidents: Cardiac and respiratory arrest incidents treated by Hato Hone St John rose to 5,750, a 5% increase from 2020. A specific 2025 report noted 2,547 people were treated for cardiac arrest, representing a 3.6% increase from the prior year.
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Location: 72% of these cardiac arrests occurred in private homes, while 15% happened in public spaces.
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Survival Rates: Roughly 24% of patients survived to hospital arrival, with only about 11% surviving 30 days post-discharge.
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Demographics: Māori and Pacific peoples are disproportionately affected, experiencing cardiac arrest at younger ages.