Sudden cardiac arrest can happen anywhere, at any time. In New Zealand, several people experience cardiac arrest every day, and survival often depends on immediate access to an Automated External Defibrillator (AED). These portable devices can restore a normal heart rhythm and significantly improve survival chances by as much as 80% when used quickly.
Auckland’s North Shore has a range of AEDs located across commercial, educational, and public spaces. However, awareness of their locations remains a critical challenge.
What is an AED and Why It Matters
An AED is a portable medical device that analyses heart rhythm and delivers an electric shock if needed. It is designed for public use, with clear voice instructions guiding users step-by-step.
Studies show that although many people are willing to use an AED, awareness of their locations remains low. For example, only around 20% of people know where their nearest AED is, even in familiar environments. This gap between availability and awareness can delay life-saving treatment during cardiac emergencies.
Finding AEDs in Real Time
The first step in any emergency situation is to call 111. The operator will direct you to the nearest AED if that is needed, and emergency services can get to the scene of the emergency.
Knowing where your nearest AED is BEFORE you need it is invaluable information that could help in an emergency.
The most reliable way to locate AEDs is through digital tools:
- The AED Locations app
- The AED Locations website – aedlocations.co.nz
These platforms map over 9,000 AEDs across New Zealand and allow users to:
- Find the nearest AED using GPS
- View access details and availability
- Contribute new AED locations to the database
⚠️ Important: Not all AEDs are accessible 24/7, and availability may depend on building hours.
Where to buy AEDs & Accessories
St John sells approved AED models and accessories like outdoor AED cabinets, replacement pads and batteries through its official store – buy.stjohn.org.nz/firstaid/aed-retail/
How to register your defibrillator
To register an AED with St John
When you register your defibrillator with St John, emergency call handlers can quickly locate it during a 111 cardiac arrest call and direct bystanders to use it. The location is only shared in emergencies and is not publicly listed, helping ensure faster access when every second counts.
www.stjohn.org.nz/first-aid/about-aeds/aed-registration/
To register an AED with the AED locations App
The AED Locations app is a mobile tool that helps users quickly find the nearest Automated External Defibrillator (AED) in an emergency. It uses GPS mapping to show nearby devices.
https://aedlocations.co.nz/form
Please check your defibrillator regularly and assign someone responsibility for its upkeep. After each use, replace the pads immediately. Even if unused, pads and batteries typically need replacing every two to four years. Routinely check the machine to ensure the device remains fully functional and ready for emergencies.
Business North Harbours recommendations to strengthen cardiac emergency response on the shore:
- Increase public awareness campaigns – Businesses on Auckland’s North Shore can improve cardiac emergency awareness through campaigns such as “Know Your AED,” CPR and AED training weeks, and “Every Second Counts” messaging using posters and digital screens. Supporting initiatives like the Shocktober campaign by St John in October also helps raise awareness of cardiac arrest and the importance of CPR and AED use. Social media, AED mapping drives, and school partnerships further strengthen community preparedness.
- Encourage businesses to install externally accessible AEDs – Businesses on Auckland’s North Shore can improve emergency response by placing AEDs in clearly visible, publicly accessible outdoor cabinets. This ensures devices can be accessed 24/7, even when buildings are closed, reducing delays during cardiac emergencies.
- Promote CPR and AED training – Businesses can strengthen community readiness by offering regular CPR and AED training for staff and encouraging participation in certified courses. Increasing the number of trained people on-site means faster and more confident responses in a cardiac emergency.
- Ensure all AEDs are registered – Registering AEDs with emergency services such as St John allows 111 call handlers to quickly locate and direct bystanders to the nearest device during an emergency. This improves response times and ensures AEDs are used as effectively as possible when every second counts.
AEDs are a critical part of community health infrastructure across Auckland’s North Shore. While the devices are increasingly available, their life-saving potential depends on awareness, accessibility, and community engagement.
