Many in the Netherlands don’t know how to locate an automatic defibrillator

Four in ten people in the Netherlands do not know whether there is an automated external defibrillator in their neighborhood, according to research by the Hartstichting. “It seems like a very good idea for municipalities to take the initiative themselves, and in fact, they should.” An AED is a portable device that delivers a shock to restore normal heart rhythm. “That’s out of our hands as a foundation.” Instead, emergency dispatchers alert registered first responders through the HartslagNu system, directing them to the nearest AED. “It’s not about knowing the exact street, but whether there’s adequate coverage in your area,” Snijder said. “It’s really worth checking: is there an AED in our neighborhood or not?” Snijder said.