Defibrillator installed outside Napier restaurant

Indigo Restaurant owner Shaun Bates (left) and Destination Napier's Paul Trass prepare to install the defibrillator on the wall outside the restaurant. Photo / Warren Buckland

Downtown Napier became safer this week after the installation of an electronic defibrillator outside Indigo Restaurant on Hastings St.

A box was attached to the wall outside the restaurant yesterday, containing the device, which can be used to administer an electric shock to the heart to anyone having a cardiac arrest.

Destination Napier secretary Paul Trass and Indigo Restaurant owner Paul Trass had the idea to get the equipment after a person had a heart attack at the restaurant, Mr Bates said.

"A few years ago someone had a heart attack here and it took longer than expected for an ambulance to arrive.

"There is a defibrillator at the Napier i-Site but, because this happened at night that could not be accessed, so we started thinking that having something here would be good."

Mr Trass said they talked about their proposal to the Fire Service, which presented them with options. They chose one that would be available 24/7, at a cost of about $8000.

They then applied for funding through the Grassroots Trust. That was approved this month and the equipment delivered this week.

"We chose Indigo as a location because the restaurant is a great supporter of local events, such as the Downtown Festival, and being open seven days a week until midnight, it was the logical choice," Mr Trass said.

A code was required to open the box, which could be obtained by ringing 111, or by asking restaurant staff, Mr Bates said.

Instructions were included with the device, but there would be practical assistance on hand as well, he added.

"We plan to bring people into train our staff on how to use it and are also going to invite staff from the other restaurants, bars, cafes and hotels in the area to be trained as well."

Mr Bates said it was a great way to give back to the locals who supported the business.

"We would prefer not to ever have to use it, but it does bring peace of mind."