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 the chance of surviving a cardiac arrest depends on the time that elapses. If 112 is called immediately, CPR is started within three minutes, and a pulse is given with an AED within six minutes, the chance of survival increases to about 40%.

An Automatic External Defibrillator (AED for short) is a portable device used on a person in cardiac arrest. An electric shock is then administered in an automated manner, with the aim of bringing the heart back to a normal rhythm. Ambulances all carry an AED, but in practice, usually due to heavy traffic, they cannot get to the scene sooner than 8-10 minutes after being notified. Thus, a lot of precious time is lost.

The moment the Ambulance Dispatch Center (MKA) receives a 112 report of a (possible) resuscitation, not only the ambulance is sent out. Residents (volunteers) with a valid CPR certificate can also be alerted. These volunteers and AEDs are connected to the HartslagNu alert system. Alarms are sent via a text message on the phone (SMS or via 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.

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