Omarama is close to getting a new co-response four-wheeldrive vehicle and defibrillator.
The Omarama and Surrounding Communities Co-response Trust is raising about $90,000 to replace its ageing co-response vehicle and needs a defibrillator that meets current standards.
Its appeal was recently boosted substantially with a $27,000 grant from the Meridian Energy Ltd Waitaki Community Fund.
Trust spokesman Craig Dawson said about $59,000 had been raised by the community towards the project, which provided a first-response medical emergency service. Incidents attended include attending vehicle accidents in the area.
It is investigating various vehicles which would be suitable for the job. Once purchased, it would needed to be fitted out, and the defibrillator purchased.
The fund is expected to get another boost on June 7 with a dinner at the Heritage Gateway Hotel.
The guest speaker will be Al Black great Sir Brian Lochore and there will also be an auction of quality items.
Tickets cost $100, which include dinner and drinks, and are limited to 120 people.
The co-response unit is the first to attend a crash or medical emergency, its five ambulance trained officers from the Oma rama Fire Brigade providing medical treatment until a St John ambulance arrives.
Omarama has had a first response unit for 10 years, using a 1992 four-wheel-drive double cab Toyota Hilux to attend emergen cies, including accidents on the busy State Highway 8 route.
The vehicle is reaching the end of its life.
The unit also needs a more modern defibrillator to suit new procedures set out by the New Zealand Resuscitation Council.
