Drug trials pay for more defibrillators

Taranaki's heart doctor is on a mission to save lives by distributing easy-to-use life-saving defibrillators right across the region.

The money is an offshoot from Taranaki heart patients who have agreed to take part in a series of international cardiac drug trials.

"This way, the whole community benefits from the research trials," cardiologist consultant Ian Ternouth says alongside the 10 defibrillators about to be distributed to Taranaki secondary schools. More are on the way.

"These things will potentially save lives," Dr Ternouth says.

Heart attacks are the most common cause of death in young people aged between five and 25 – hence putting the defibrillators into schools.

Four defibrillators have already been placed in gyms, in New Plymouth and Hawera, and are accessible to people in the vicinity. There are already other defibrillators in the community, such as in ambulances and in fire trucks.

As the drug-trial money comes available, Dr Ternouth is keen to see at least another 40 of the machines dotted geographically around Taranaki and their presence marked with signs.

Isolated small communities, such as Whangamomona, are likely to be the next to benefit.

The defibrillators, which use an electrical pulse to re-set a regular heart rhythm, are simple to use. They are safe to use with pacemakers. They have voice commands to guide the layperson.

"So as long as you can hear, you can use them," Dr Ternouth says.

There are currently four drug trials under way contributing to the Taranaki project. The drug companies, most of which are based in the United States, pay money for each person on the trial for such costs as blood tests.

Once all expenses are paid, any extra money goes into a fund and the trust members - Taranaki physicians – decide where the money is spent.

For example, some medical staff, such as nurses and pharmacists, have successfully applied for funding for training and conferences.

Dr Ternouth thanked the Taranaki DHB which was fully supportive in giving permission for the trials to take place.

- © Fairfax NZ News