Two months after holding a fundraiser, Gunns Bush now has a newly-purchased automated external defibrillator (AED) on site.
In late May the 140ha camp, located 11km north of Waimate, held a car boot sale in an effort to raise funds to buy a portable AED.
The nearest one available was located in the Waimate township, meaning it would be a 22km round trip if one was needed at the camp.
Camp owner Stephen Dobson said he felt there was a need to act after a close friend suffered a cardiac arrest while on a school camp with his son.
‘‘[He] went into cardiac arrest for around 15 minutes, while some fast-acting colleagues were able to retrieve a remotely-located AED from the Woodbury church and resuscitate him.’’
He said they did not want a repeat of this situation, when time was of the essence.
‘‘Because of the numbers of people living in the district visiting the camp or enjoying the nearby Department of Conservation recreational land and walking track, we decided to raise funds for a public access AED to be located at Gunns Bush Camp.’’
The AED was not just for people visiting the area, but people living nearby too.
Lisa Dobson said they raised just under $1400 for the AED from their fundraising and the couple covered the remaining balance to buy and install the device
Mrs Dobson said despite the dull weather, the car boot sale was a fantastic day and ‘‘well supported’’.
They hoped to make it an annual event.
