Public access defibrillator installed near taxi rank

Port Macquarie Taxis combined with Masons and Friends and the Student Heart Project to provide the public access defibrillator near the Horton Street taxi rank.

 Stella Urwin donated the cost of unit in memory of her husband Odin. 

Sudden cardiac arrest, commonly known as a massive heart attack, can strike anyone, anywhere, anytime.

Port Macquarie Taxis general manager Steve Read said the public access defibrillator was a good contribution to the community.

“We like to get involved with our community and help wherever we can,” he said.

“There’s not too many businesses that operate 24/7 and it just seemed like a no-brainer.”

Survival rates significantly increase where a defibrillator is used within those first crucial minutes.

The taxi company met the public access cabinet costs and installation, and will continue to pay for the monitoring costs.

Byrnes Lawyers will pay for the unit's electricity.

The code to unlock the cabinet will be available by calling the taxi telephone number on 6581 0081.

The four-digit pin number will provide instant access to unlock the security cabinet.

The Student Heart Project connects students and the broader community, and raises money for defibrillators throughout the community. 

An inaugural fundraising ball collected $16,000 and funded six defibrillators.

The project continues to gain momentum in the community.

Student Heart Project leader Daniel Steinbeck said simple audible instructions were provided by the public access defibrillator once it was switched on.

“The process is simple and use of the defibrillator will greatly increase the chances of restoring a person’s pulse,” Mr Steinbeck said.

“It can be, literally, a life-saver.”