The need for an AED was underlined as the Kempsey college has seen an increase in the number of both school and public functions held at its Edmund Rice Hall, hosting up to 300 people per event.

St Paul's P&F Association treasurer Peter Livermore said people from all walks in the community and across various age groups inquire about using the hall.

"We thought it would be advisable to have a defibrillator and first aid kit onsite, kept in the hall at all times," Mr Livermore said.

St Paul's principal Mr Kevin Lewis said having a defibrillator onsite was a relief for both the college and attendees to events hosted at the hall.

"This device provides extra comfort and peace of mind that if an emergency is to take place, we have the equipment necessary to potentially save lives," Mr Lewis said.

Coastline's Central Kempsey store's team Leader Kristy Wills received the request from St Paul's P&F and immediately thought this initiative was a worthwhile endeavour, benefiting not only the school, but the wider local community.

"Coastline's heritage is based on a deep commitment to our communities and we are very pleased to be able to help our society host community events safely and confidently by providing a device that can save lives in emergency situations," Mrs Wills said.

The Automatic External Defibrillator (AED) is used in conjunction with Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) to deliver a controlled electrical shock to a person experiencing a sudden cardiac arrest.

The Heart Foundation states some 25,000 people have a cardiac arrest out-of-hospital each year in Australia with just five percent of these people surviving.

If an AED is applied within the first few minutes of a cardiac arrest, survival rates can increase from 10 per cent to as high as 70 per cent.

AEDs have been designed to administer a shock only if necessary. They are designed to be used by almost anyone, as the device provides clear, calm step-by-step voice instructions that can guide members of the public through the emergency.