First Aid & AED Awareness in Football
Information sourced from St John New Zealand.
Sudden cardiac arrest can happen to anyone, anywhere — including on the football field. Fast access to an AED (Automated External Defibrillator) can be the difference between life and death.
An AED is a portable device that delivers a life-saving electric shock to restart a person’s heart. It’s designed to be used by anyone, with clear voice prompts guiding you through each step. According to St John New Zealand, using an AED alongside CPR can increase survival rates by up to 44%.
Why This Matters for Football Clubs
- Football is a high-intensity, high-collision sport.
- Players, coaches, referees, and spectators are at risk of sudden cardiac arrest.
- Having an AED on-site ensures a safer environment for everyone in the football community.
- Clubs with high community usage (e.g., junior football, social leagues) should prioritise AED access.
What to Do in an Emergency
- Call 111 immediately.
- Start CPR (push hard and fast in the centre of the chest).
- Send someone to get an AED.
- Turn on the AED and follow the prompts.
- Continue CPR and AED use until help arrives.
NRF Clubs with AEDs On-Site
The following NRF-affiliated clubs currently have an AED available on-site - more detail is here.
Club Name | Location |
|---|
| Birkenhead United AFC | Shepherds Park, North Shore |
Ellerslie AFC | Michaels Ave, Auckland |
East Coast Bays AFC | Bay City Park, North Shore |
Hibiscus Coast AFC
| Stanmore Bay Park, Whangaparaoa
|
Manurewa AFC | War Memorial Park, Manurewa |
Northland FC
| Trigg Arena, Whangarei
|
Onehunga Mangere United
| Mangere Domain, Auckland
|
Papakura City FC | McLennan Park, Papakura |
| Pukekohe FC | Bledisloe Park, Pukekohe |
Ranui Swanson FC | Starling Park, Waitākere |
West Coast Rangers | Fred Taylor Park, Auckland |
Western Springs AFC
| Seddon Fields, Auckland
|
Waiheke United AFC | Onetangi Sports Park, Waiheke Island |
(This list will be updated regularly as more clubs secure AEDs.)
Special Offer – Free AEDs for Zero Club Support Participants
As part of NRF’s commitment to club safety and community wellbeing:
- The first 10 clubs to register for Zero Club Support in 2025 will receive a FREE AED for their club.
- This offer is in partnership with St John New Zealand.
- Priority will be given to clubs without an existing AED and with high participant volumes.
Register your interest here.
Next Steps for Clubs
- Know your AED location — Ensure all coaches, referees, and key volunteers know where the AED is stored.
- Signage & Visibility — Make sure AED locations are clearly signposted.
- Routine Checks — Regularly inspect AEDs to ensure they are operational.
- Consider First Aid Training — Clubs are encouraged to book first aid courses through St John to upskill their workforce.
For more information, purchasing options, or to learn how to use an AED, visit St John New Zealand.
Admin Login