Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death in New Zealand, killing more than one in three New Zealanders each year and accounting for more than 30,000 hospitalizations per year. The chances of having CVD are related to genetics and life-style choices. The latter is something everyone can control and can greatly reduce risk.

Approximately 2000 New Zealanders suffer from a cardiac arrest (heart stoppage) outside of the hospital each year. This is four times the national road toll, yet it remains a silent disease in terms of public awareness. Performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and using an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) is easy. By performing CPR and using an AED, you can help save a life.

One in 10 people survive cardiac arrest, and learning CPR can make a difference to your community.

St John Ambulance has a free programme called 3 Steps for Life, which is for members of the community to introduce them to the life-saving skills for people in cardiac arrest.

At the monthly Grey Power meeting, to be held on Wednesday, November 20, starting at 10 am St John Ambulance officer Ivan Judd who has been working on front-line ambulances for the past 10 years, will be running an awareness session.

The session will cover basic CPR and AED skills and takes approximately 45 – 60 minutes. It will give people the confidence and awareness to take action when somebody suffers a cardiac arrest.

Come and see how to potentially save a life. All are welcome. As usual, the venue is the Knox Presbyterian Church Hall on Domain Road.

Victor Luca

Whakatāne Grey Power