Life-saving help is available when you need it thanks to new defibrillators installed at Te Puke Library and The Centre - Pātuki Manawa in Katikati.

Western Bay of Plenty District Council opted for AED's (Automated External Defibrillators) that could be mounted outdoors, so the Te Puke or Katikati communities would have help available any time of the day or week.

The two new AEDS completes a full suite of defibrillators at all Council library and service centres – Waihī Beach, Katikati, Ōmokoroa, Te Puke and Barkes Corner.

Council's team leader libraries western, Julia Edgecombe, says it's a good choice that could help save lives.

The new defibrillators are housed in a secure cabinet, mounted to the wall just outside the main doors of each Library.

The cabinet is opened with a code that anyone can get by calling 111.

The operator will provide the code to open the cabinet and grab the device. If the defibrillator is needed during Library opening hours, the council team can also provide the code.

'With these devices any one can punch in the code and grab the defibrillator any time.

'Emergencies don't happen on schedule, so it's important that help is available when needed,” says Julia.

Team leader libraries eastern, Amanda-Jane McFadden, says the new defibrillators are part of Council's ongoing effort to provide new services to the community.

'We want to do more for the communities we live in and care for, so we're expanding our offerings all the time.

'Te Puke Library now has a full-time AA Licencing Agency in the building, and a Justice of the Peace keeping regular hours. Over at The Centre - Pātuki Manawa in Katikati, they provide a 24/7 access, self service digital hub available for registered users in addition to classes and bookable resources.”

If you want to know where your closest defibrillator is, visit www.aedlocations.co.nz

Council's new defibrillators have a seven-year battery life and will be regularly serviced by a contracted medical supply company.