Stichting AED Platform Nederland initiated and developed the City AED.

Several municipalities have asked us to help establish, renew or maintain a public AED network in their area. We are pleased to do this and have the expertise to deliver.

Depending on the starting situation and the municipality’s objectives, we can carry out various activities, including:

Dividing the municipality into six-minute response zones. This forms the basis of every AED network. Once the zones are defined, it becomes clear where public AEDs are needed and how many are required to reach casualties in time. Knowing these numbers also allows us to calculate the costs of financing, installation, management and long-term maintenance. The zoning forms part of an AED network plan that provides a sound basis for municipal policy. We have developed a system that uses maps and geographical information, such as differences in elevation and natural obstacles, to define the zones. We combine this with practical experience and measurements, including the average running speed of a typical citizen responder. The municipality then receives a City AED network map with our recommended zones and the number of AED locations required.

Inventory of existing AEDs. Every municipality has AEDs at businesses, associations, sports grounds or public buildings. Some are registered as public AEDs, but unfortunately most are not. Research has shown that around 25% of registered AEDs no longer work correctly, for example due to overdue maintenance. Most are also inaccessible to responders outside office hours. We can inventory the AEDs in a municipality and assess their condition. At the same time, we can ask owners whether they are willing to make their AED publicly accessible and on what terms. This inventory can be included in an AED network plan.

Preparing an AED network plan. We use available information, such as response zones and an inventory of existing AEDs, to draw up an AED network plan. It clearly shows the municipality’s current position on heart safety, identifying where public AEDs are available or needed. From this, we prepare a clear cost forecast and a multi-year management plan. The AED network plan is suitable as part of, or an appendix to, a municipal AED policy document and can support a project plan for creating a heart-safe municipality.

Financing, installation and management of City AEDs: a comprehensive service. We support municipalities not only in preparing

plans; we can also deliver them. Plans must be thoroughly prepared and financed. If you cannot provide the financing yourself, we offer various options, such as a subscription that spreads costs over several years, or co-financing through crowdfunding. Delivery includes physically installing and managing the AEDs. Management includes maintenance, insurance and remote monitoring. We can centrally monitor the status of the AED and its outdoor cabinet 24/7, because every City AED we install is connected to our monitoring centre. If a problem arises, we can respond quickly.