Things have been busy in Kaikoura since our last edition, proving how small towns can certainly be mighty in their fundraising support. In May we were incredibly grateful to the Kaikoura Community Op Shop Charitable Trust who raised funds to donate a life-saving Corpuls3T Monitor Defibrillator which is now in use onboard the rescue helicopter.
The Corpuls3T Monitor/Defibrillator unit is a core piece of medical equipment that allows the rescue helicopter medics to monitor a patient’s vital signs throughout their flight, transmit 12-lead ECG data (and other clinical information) directly to the receiving hospital, and defibrillate a patient to correct life-threatening arrhythmias of the heart, such as cardiac arrest or ventricular fibrillation.
The availability of this type of technology is a significant contributor to improving patient outcomes and saving lives. So well done to all the hard working volunteers at the Kaikoura Community Op Shop Charitable Trust who made this happen.
Another important community project in the region is the development of a new helipad, and we’re proud to report the Kaikoura Lions have passed another big milestone with the blessing of the site in late June. The moving blessing ceremony led by Brett Cowan, was well attended by representatives from the local hospital, district council, GCH Aviation, and Canterbury West Coast Air Rescue Trust alongside the Lions Helipad project group.
With a start date for layout recently agreed, the Lions team advises locals to keep an eye on the park for progress.