Heart for Leudal (AED).

Every week, more than 300 people in the Netherlands are affected by a sudden circulatory arrest, also known as cardiac arrest. In about 80% of cases, this happens at home. At such critical moments, it is good when help is close at hand. Fast alert and timely presence of rescuers who can resuscitate make the difference between life and death.

Research shows that in the event of a cardiac arrest, every minute counts. If you call 112 immediately, begin CPR within three minutes, and use an AED within six minutes, the chance of survival is about 40%.

An AED is a portable device that can deliver an electric shock in the event of cardiac arrest. This helps the heart return to a normal rhythm. Ambulances carry an AED, but due to traffic, they usually don’t arrive on the scene until 8 to 10 minutes later. As a result, valuable time can be lost.

When a possible cardiac arrest is reported, the dispatch center doesn’t just send an ambulance. Trained volunteers in the area can also be called upon. They are registered with HartslagNu, along with AEDs. The volunteers receive a notification via text message or through the MijnHartslagNu app.

Network in Leudal

In the municipality of Leudal, a network of volunteers and AEDs is active in the cores. These volunteers are registered with HartslagNu. Registration is via the website of HartslagNu. The local AED working groups or first aid associations are actively involved by, for example, regularly offering CPR courses. There are more than 850 volunteers (civilian rescuers) active and about 65 AEDs available across the various cores (figures from 2022). Additional volunteers and registered AEDs are always welcome.

Volunteer

There are regular informational meetings about what it means to be a volunteer, how calls are made and what is involved in the practical side of resuscitation. More information can be found on the HartslagNu website. Here volunteers can also register as citizen aid providers.

To participate you must:

  • Possess a valid CPR certificate (max. 1 year old) and,
  • attended the civic assistance information session.

HartslagNu Coverage Map

AEDs throughout the Netherlands have been registered with HartslagNu. By deploying citizen responders and AEDs as quickly as possible, we save lives. On the coverage map, you can see where AEDs are located, as well as where they are still missing.

View the AEDs in Leudal

Sign in AED

AEDs can be registered through the HartslagNu website.

The times that an AED is available may be indicated at this time. This should also include expiration dates for the batteries and electrodes of the AED.

AED maintenance after a deployment

Many AEDs are included in the municipality's maintenance contract. For these AEDs, Ocean takes care of getting the AED ready for use after a deployment. 

It is important that the AED be returned to the cabinet after a deployment. And that Ocean is notified after use of the AED so that maintenance can take place. This can be done via an email to Ocean and an email to the municipality that the AED has been used stating the location/address. Ocean will make the AED ready for use again within a few business days or can provide a loaner device.

CPR course

Local first aid associations or AED working groups regularly offer basic and refresher CPR/AED operation courses. These courses are only free if you register as a citizen helper via the website of HartslagNu. The municipality then reimburses the costs incurred for the CPR course. This is done through the first aid association or AED working group.

Reimbursement for expenses incurred applies only to CPR courses and not to the entire first aid course.

An overview of first aid associations in Leudal, can be found on the website of the EHBO. Contact details of AED working groups are regularly listed on the website of the local village councils. You can inquire about courses here. 

More information

More information can be found on the website of HartslagNu - Citizen Assistance.

For questions or comments, please contact the local AED working group or first aid association. You can also contact the policy team society at (0475) 85 90 00 or hartvoorleudal@leudal.nl