Gate Pa Tennis Club members aren't leaving anything to chance – opting to purchase a portable emergency defibrillator after witnessing one their fellow club-goers experiencing a health scare a few years ago, which could have ended in tragedy.

Funding from Legacy Trust enabled the club to buy the life-saving machine last week.

Mike Savage (right) holding the portable emergency defibrillator with Gary Willis at the Gate Pa Tennis Club courts.

The club's vice president and funding officer Gary Willis says as a sports club they're conscious of the need to have robust health and safety systems and equipment in place.

'The funding support from Legacy Trust to help us buy a portable emergency defibrillator will give us peace of mind should any future emergencies occur.”

The defibrillator came with instructions and training from St John's and according to Gary it is easy to use.

'The system ‘talks' you through the steps, which reduces the anxiety to remember everything in a pressured situation.”

Each year more than 1000 New Zealanders suffer a heart attack outside of hospital. Many of these people have no prior symptoms and get no warning.

Gary says sometimes performing CPR isn't enough to prevent a fatality, and the use of a defibrillator can increase the chance of survival by up to 40 per cent.

'I know the club has been undergoing an upgrade, which is costly, so we are delighted to fund the purchase of essential equipment for current and future members,” says Mike Savage from Legacy Trust.

Gate Pa Tennis Club has more than 200 senior and junior members plus 100 business house community members.

The community-based tennis club was established in 1953 on its current site and is the only tennis club serving the growing south side of Tauranga, including Pyes Pa and The Lakes.