Emergency Response and AED: every second counts

In the Netherlands, more than 15.000 people die each year from sudden cardiac arrest. The difference between life and death is often determined in the first six minutes.

In this article you will read how an AED works, what the role of the first responder is and why practice and repetition are vital.

Difference between life and death

The sooner resuscitation starts and an AED (Automated External Defibrillator) is used, the greater the chance that someone will survive.

The difference is enormous: without intervention, the chance of survival is less than 10%. If you start CPR within six minutes and use an AED, that percentage increases to 50% or even 70%.

Every minute of delay reduces the risk by 10 to 12%. Therefore, organizations must have adequate knowledge and preparedness. Emergency response personnel play a crucial role in this.

What exactly does an AED do?

An AED is a portable device that analyzes the heart rhythm and, if necessary, administers an electric shock. The goal is to reset the heart so it returns to a normal rhythm.

The device is deliberately designed to be simple: anyone can use it, even without a medical background. When connecting the electrodes, the AED provides clear spoken and visual instructions.

Some models ask the rescuer to press the shock button (semi-automatic), others automatically deliver the shock (fully automatic).

The device guides you through the procedure step by step, but to practice remains important. Under stress, even a simple device can suddenly feel complex.

The role of the first responder during resuscitation

Want to gift a first responder is often the first responder in the event of a cardiac arrest in the workplace. Their job is to:

• Call 112 or have someone call you and pass on important information.
• Immediately start chest compressions and rescue breaths, without waiting.
• To collect or have collected the AED and connect it as quickly as possible.
• To coordinate with colleagues and bystanders: who calls, who gets the AED, who catches emergency services on?

Good communication is essential here. In practice, things often go wrong because people talk over each other, duplicate tasks, or simply forget. A trained emergency response officer knows how to maintain an overview and manage others.

Common mistakes and lessons learned

During exercises and real-life situations, trainers and caregivers regularly encounter the same bottlenecks:

• There is too long a delay in starting resuscitation.
• Employees do not know where the AED is located.
• Uncertainty when operating the AED delays deployment.
• The call to 112 is forgotten or made too late.

With regular practice, actions become faster and more natural.

Practice gives confidence

Although an AED is simple, practicing with it and a CPR manikin builds confidence. CPR and AED training courses often last only four hours, but they make a huge difference.

Repetition is also essential. Skills fade quickly. Therefore, emergency response officers and staff should ideally take refresher courses annually.

AEDs in the workplace: not mandatory, but necessary

The Working Conditions Act requires employers to provide effective emergency response. An AED is not (yet) legally required, but more and more organizations are recognizing its importance.

The device not only increases the survival rate of victims but also gives employees a sense of security. Especially in larger companies or locations where many people congregate, an AED is practically indispensable.

Practical points of attention for organizations:

• Hang AEDs in visible, centrally located places (e.g. entrance or canteen).
• Check the status regularly: is the light green, are the electrodes and batteries still valid?
• Include the location on evacuation plans and alarm cards.
• Train several colleagues in its use, so that there is always someone available.

Citizen assistance as an additional safety net

In addition to first responders, citizen responders play an important role. Through networks such as Heartbeat Now Volunteers in the area receive a notification of a resuscitation. They can arrive on-site with an available AED, sometimes even faster than an ambulance.

This is a valuable addition for organizations, but it doesn't absolve you of the obligation to train your own employees. The best results come from using both systems side by side.

How technology helps

Even with sufficient AEDs and trained staff, the first minute can be crucial. In a stressful situation, rapid communication is often the biggest challenge. This is where the Emergency response button outcome.

With a single push of a button, all available emergency response team members are called. Everyone immediately sees where the incident is and can take action. This way, no valuable time is lost.

The emergency response button ensures:

• Rapid alert in medical emergencies.
• Clear division of roles and communication.
• Shorter response time, which significantly increases the chance of survival.

Conclusion: Emergency Response + AED = the difference between life and death

An AED saves lives, but only if people know how to use it and are confident enough to act. The emergency response team member is the key player in this process. With training, refresher courses, and clear procedures, your organization can truly make a difference.

And by using smart tools like the Emergency Response Button, the entire process becomes even faster, more efficient, and more effective. Because in the event of a cardiac arrest, every second counts.

Tip: Organize a CPR and AED training session for your team this year, and make sure everyone knows where the nearest AED is located. This will make your workplace safer for employees, visitors, and yourself.

With BHV-Knop.nl you not only have a complete emergency response system, but also a solid foundation for collaboration with the fire brigade, ambulance service, and police.