Emergency Doctor bikes across New Zealand to raise much needed defibrillator funds

Emergency Doctor bikes across New Zealand to raise much needed defibrillator funds

Saving lives is not new to Dr Tim Harraway. As a New Zealand-born Emergency Doctor practicing on the Gold Coast, he understands all too well the critical importance of early intervention in cardiac emergencies. So, raising funds for Embracing Hearts, a charity that helps New Zealand children with heart conditions access defibrillators when they need them, was key to his latest endurance challenge, Tour Aotearoa.

An annual cycling event, Tour Aotearoa covers 3,000 km from Cape Reinga to Bluff. Having spent many years in the region during his youth, this was a chance for Dr Harraway to reconnect with the scenic South Island while advocating for a cause he is truly passionate about.

“Traditional AEDs are cost prohibitive for the budgets of most schools,” said Dr Harraway.

Getting AEDs into schools where kids with heart issues can get emergency care as soon as they need it makes a massive difference to the outcome, he added.

“Plus, the AEDs at most schools are also available for public use, making it beneficial to the whole community.”

Tim chose local New Zealand charity, Embracing Hearts, to put his tour fundraising efforts towards. So far, his efforts have raised over $20,000 of a $50,000 goal. If you would like to donate to this important cause, please visit Riding For Hearts

Since July 2019, Embracing Hearts has donated over 90 AEDs to preschools, schools, colleges, and other learning facilities around New Zealand.

“We hope that the AEDs we donate will never need to be used by kids with heart conditions or anyone else in their communities, but for families and teaching staff, having them on site offers immeasurable peace of mind,” said Emma Lawler, Founder Embracing Hearts.

In addition to funds raised, Dr Harraway donated a CellAED for life ™ to Embracing Hearts. Emma is kindly passing this on to a family support worker at Heart Kids- Wellington, a not-for-profit organisation that supports over 500 families in the greater Wellington area with children affected by a heart conditions.

“A support worker is always on the go between homes, schools and health centres, making the lightweight, size, and portability of the device a major plus,” added Emma.

Along the way, Tim also shared his support for CellAED^®. “I had never considered carrying an AED on the tour until I purchased the lightweight and portable CellAED^® personal defibrillator. Having an AED sticker on my bike pannier to indicate I have a life-saving defibrillator on hand, became my favourite trick to pull out the device and show anyone who asked about it.”

Australian made and owned, CellAED^®, is designed to save lives from sudden cardiac arrest by making personal defibrillators affordable and easy-to-use.

“The standout features for me are its size, so lightweight at 450 grams, its ingenious design, and its price point. The robust case it comes in is also perfect for Tour Aotearoa.”

“For me CellAED^® is a no brainer, I now have one in my home too “added Tim.

The fact is, having quick access to a defibrillator significantly improves a person’s chance of survival until Emergency Medical Services arrive. As the most affordable AED on the market, CellAED^® is helping to increase AED access and providing peace of mind for individuals and their communities.

Be prepared with CellAED^® your personal defibrillator.