The city of Mechelen is stepping up its efforts to make Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) readily accessible, aiming to increase the number of devices across the area. Currently, there are 89 AEDs available throughout Mechelen, and city officials are encouraging local stakeholders to invest to save more lives.
Mechelen will retain its ‘Heart Safe City’ designation for the next two years, awarded by the Red Cross, to municipalities actively promoting resuscitation training and investing in AEDs. Sabe De Graef, Welfare schepen, emphasized, “An AED can truly make the difference between life and death within the first minutes after a heart attack.”
Statistics reveal the urgency of the situation: each day, thirty people experience cardiac arrest outside of hospitals, with only 5 to 10 percent surviving the ordeal. De Graef explained, “When you start resuscitating within three to five minutes, the chance of survival increases to 70 percent.” This stark reality underlines why the city is not only increasing the number of AEDs but also conducting wider training for residents.
Among the available AEDs, fourteen are accessible around the clock. The city has recently added devices at Depot Rato and Tivolipark and plans to install more machines at various village houses and Transit M throughout the year. Mechelen officials are also reaching out to apartment building syndics, community committees, and businesses to collaborate on extending the AED network.
Alongside enhancing availability, the city is keeping the Staying Alive app updated, which helps residents locate nearby AEDs with ease. Over the past two years, Mechelen has organized twelve training sessions for its municipal employees and community members, demonstrating the commitment to making health and safety resources accessible.
Griet Peters from the Red Cross Mechelen-Bonheiden stated, “It is important for as many people as possible to learn how to resuscitate and work with an AED. We are very pleased the city is committed to being and staying a ‘Heart Safe City.’”
The progressive move by Mechelen to increase AEDs and community training is expected to significantly impact survival rates from cardiac arrests. The push for public safety aims to empower citizens by providing the necessary resources and knowledge to act swiftly during emergencies.
Encouragingly, these initiatives not only offer immediate benefits but also aim to cultivate a culture of safety within the community, where residents feel prepared and confident to take action should they encounter someone experiencing cardiac distress. The integration of AEDs within city infrastructure showcases Mechelen’s proactive approach to health and safety, demonstrating how local government can play a pivotal role in crisis response readiness.