The public is being asked to help track down the whereabouts of an Automated External Defibrillator unit which has gone missing from Mauao.

Exceed Systems Administrator Melisa Wilson says the AED unit was noticed missing on December 30, 2023.

“We are gutted that the AED unit from near the summit of Mauao has gone missing,” says Melisa.

She says it was last checked on December 19.

“We’ve done a trace through the 111 system and no call has been received during that time, so we think it may have been stolen.”

Two AED units were installed on Mauao in 2020, both donated and maintained by Exceed We Fix Windows & Doors. Exceed replaces pads and batteries when required.

The locations of the units are at the junction of Waikorire and Oruahine track, at the top of the stairs, and along the base track at the steep track junction.

In November, 2023, when the AED located on the Mauao base track went missing, it was found to have been used for a legitimate incident but then returned to Hato Hone St John. Following that incident the Exceed phone number was written on both units.

“Our phone number is on the back of the unit, but to date we have not had any phone calls regarding it,” says Melisa.

Prior to Exceed’s donation of the two defibrillators, there had been 31 cardiac arrests requiring an ambulance recorded in Mount Maunganui during 2019.

There were two cardiac deaths on Mauao on December 15, 2019, and January 18, 2020.

The benefit of the AED is that people without a medical background are able to use the machine in case of an emergency.

The units assist the first responder with real-time feedback and CPR assistance.

To help someone who is in cardiac arrest effectively, a defibrillator needs to be found as quickly as possible.

For every minute it takes for the defibrillator to reach someone and deliver a shock, their chances of survival reduce significantly.

Use of an AED within 3-5 minutes of collapse can increase the chance of survival by up to 44 per cent.

“Having access to AEDs or 'heart starters' in the community is critical and survival rates can be doubled by stepping in quickly with CPR and using an AED," says General Manager of Exceed We Fix Windows & Doors, Tony Burnette.

“We would love to get it back so it is available to the community in the event of a cardiac arrest if needed,” says Melisa.

'We need help from the community to find the missing device. Having access to AEDs or 'heart starters' in the community is critical and survival rates can be doubled by stepping in quickly with CPR and using an AED," says General Manager of Exceed, Tony Burnette.

 If you have any information on the AED's whereabouts, please contact either Exceed We Fix Windows & Doors team on 0800 25 25 00 or Tauranga City Council on 07 577 7000.