By obtaining this label, the municipality demonstrates its commitment to providing fast and effective help in the event of cardiac arrest. This includes investments in both AED devices and in people trained to act in an emergency situation.
Every minute counts during a cardiac arrest. Therefore, the local government has invested in 21 AED devices strategically placed in easily accessible and frequently visited locations within Heusden-Zolder. An AED, or automated external defibrillator, can deliver an electrical shock to help restore normal heart rhythm during a cardiac arrest.
Devices alone are not sufficient. Knowing how to react when someone urgently needs help can also make a significant difference. Consequently, the municipality has strongly invested in training over the past period. Employees completed first aid training in collaboration with CVO De Verdieping, with at least 100 employees obtaining an official certificate.
The combination of sufficient available AED devices and employees with the necessary knowledge and skills made it possible to achieve the Heart-Safe Municipality label. The work does not end here; in the future, the municipality will continue to focus on life-saving training and a well-developed network of AED devices to ensure that swift and correct action can be taken in Heusden-Zolder when every second counts.
AED devices can be found at the following locations: library, CC MUZE, CVO De Verdieping, town hall, service center De Zandloper, GABK het Heem, GABK Meylandt, Kameleon House of the Child, neighborhood center Lindeman, BKO Heusden, BKO Zolder, BKO Berkenbos, tourist information office, Domein Bovy, sports park Vrijheid, GBS De leerplaneet, community center Boekt Den Ubbel, municipal workshop, sports hall Berkenbos, sports hall Eversel, and sports hall Heusden.
