ROTTERDAM, 17 January 2025 – The municipality of Rotterdam has bolstered its heart safety measures by installing 17 automated external defibrillators (AEDs) at municipal buildings.
AEDs enhance heart safety network in Rotterdam
The municipality, in collaboration with the Dutch Heart Foundation (Hartstichting), has placed 17 AEDs at strategic locations on municipal properties. The devices, installed on the exterior of buildings, are part of the national resuscitation call system, HartslagNu. These placements aim to bridge gaps in the city's AED network, ensuring that life-saving equipment is more readily available in case of cardiac emergencies.
The unveiling of one of these new AEDs took place today at the Zuiderkroon in Pendrecht, where alderman Robert Simons (responsible for Real Estate, among other portfolios) and Hans Snijder, director of the Dutch Heart Foundation, marked the occasion with a demonstration.
Lifesaving equipment and trained volunteers
The AEDs are registered with HartslagNu, a system that mobilises trained civilian responders during emergencies. Volunteers can arrive within six minutes to begin CPR and use the AED, significantly improving survival chances for those experiencing cardiac arrest.
Alderman Simons emphasised the importance of this initiative: “Health is the most important thing we have. These AEDs enable us as a city to save lives. Behind each AED is a network of civilian responders who play a vital role in the heart health of Rotterdam. By installing 17 AEDs at municipal properties, we are enhancing heart safety and taking a structural step towards a healthier city. My thanks go to the Dutch Heart Foundation for their dedication and cooperation.”
The Dutch Heart Foundation provided a resuscitation training demonstration following the unveiling, with Alderman Simons also participating.
Rotterdam installs 17 new AEDs to boost heart safety
Rotterdam installs 17 new AEDs to boost heart safety
Training as a critical component
Hans Snijder, director of the Dutch Heart Foundation, stressed the importance of community involvement: “Every second counts during cardiac arrest. It is fantastic to see the municipality of Rotterdam taking responsibility for the heart safety of its residents. An AED alone does not save lives. People need to know how to perform CPR and use an AED. That knowledge is what truly saves lives.”
The foundation urges residents to enrol in resuscitation training courses to strengthen the network of trained responders.
Call to action for property owners
The municipality has also called on private property owners to equip their buildings with AEDs, helping to expand heart-safe zones across Rotterdam.