A spontaneous flash mob broke out on The Strand on Saturday as Hato Hone St John rolled out their Shocktober initiative for the first time.

“It is the very first time we have done this anywhere in New Zealand,” Hato Hone St John community and engagement co-ordinator Berenice Langson said.

“We are creating awareness of what to do in an emergency.”

Every year, more than 2000 New Zealanders suffer from a cardiac arrest away from hospital care, and only 240 lives are saved, she said.

“If a person is in danger, call 911, apply CPR and look for a defibrillator.”

Hato Hone St John community and engagement co-ordinator Berenice Langson. Photo/ Tom Eley

People are often nervous about using a defibrillator, but she said the instructions are on the machine and simple to use.

Shocktober is also known as the 3 Steps For Life campaign throughout October.

Defibrillators give safe electric shocks and are only used if someone is in cardiac arrest and, if applied in time, can increase their survival rate by 40 per cent.

The defibrillator provides clear instructions. If someone is unresponsive and not breathing normally, they are in cardiac arrest.

To use the defibrillator, follow the steps below

• Check for responsiveness in victim. First, assess the victim’s level of responsiveness.

• Call your local emergency number and retrieve the defibrillator.

• Check victim’s breathing.

• Check victim’s pulse.

• Attach AED electrode pads.

• Analyze victim’s heart rhythm.

• Administer the defibrillator shock accordingly.