With the hope to reduce the number of Kiwis dying from cardiac arrest, Year 9 student, Sam Gerber has set out on a mission to ensure all schools and organisations have their Automated External Defibrillator (AED) information correct, up to date and widely promoted. AEDs are used to saves lives following a cardiac arrest and can be used by bystanders with little or no training until emergency services arrive.

Now a Middle College student, Sam was motivated to start his project whilst working towards his Saint Kentigern Gold Service Award in his final year at the Boys’ School, having lost his uncle to cardiac arrest. Through his diligence, he discovered a number of organisations and schools in his community had not completed their AED information, or stated the AEDs location on the website and app, AED Locations, which alerts people to their nearest AED. This took him by surprise, so he started to send out emails, asking them to update their information.

By doing this, Sam got several schools and companies to update their information inspiring him to continue his work and approach more businesses to do the same. Sam also wants to encourage every business and organisation to purchase an AED if they don’t have one, as every minute of delay without an AED reduces the chance of survival in a cardiac arrest situation.

Sam was supported in his endeavours by cardiologists, Professors Harvey White and Rob Doughty and was acknowledged for his work on the Heart Foundation website.

This recent project isn’t the first charity work that Sam has undertaken to honour the memory of his uncle. Since 2015, he has been collecting for the Heart Foundation’s annual fundraising event, The Big Heart Appeal. Well done Sam!

AEDs at Saint Kentigern:
We have two AEDs at the College, one at Middle College reception and one outside Elliot Hall opposite the pool entrance.
At the Boys’ School we also have two, one in the Function Room in the top level of the Sports Centre and one in the Main Office.
At the Girls’ School we have one and that is in the Preschool entrance.

Tags

• Middle College,
• Service

Share this