The impact of citizens on the 6 minute zone

Discover how citizens can contribute to the 6-minute zone and drastically increase the chance of survival in the event of cardiac arrest. Learn how to become a citizen responder.

The Impact of Citizens on the 6 Minute Zone | Save Lives in Your Area

Every second counts in a cardiac arrest. The time between the moment of cardiac arrest and the start of resuscitation and the administration of a shock with an AED often determines whether someone survives. In the Netherlands there is a crucial time span: the 6-minute zone . This is the period in which help must be provided to maximize the chance of survival. The success of this zone depends not only on professionals, but also on citizens

What is the 6 minute zone?

The 6-minute zone refers to the idea that a victim of cardiac arrest should receive help within 6 minutes to increase the chance of survival. If CPR is started within this time and an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) is used, the chance of survival increases by up to 70% . This emphasizes the importance of acting quickly, especially by people who are close to the victim at the time of cardiac arrest.

The important role of citizen responders

Citizen responders are trained volunteers who can receive calls when someone in their area has a cardiac arrest. Through a network such as HartslagNu, citizen responders are called in to go directly to the victim and provide first aid before professional emergency services arrive. Their presence within those 6 minutes can make the difference between life and death.

How can you become a citizen responder?

Anyone can become a citizen responder by taking a CPR training and registering via platforms such as HartslagNu . Once you are registered, you will receive a call on your phone if there is an emergency in your area. The importance of well-trained citizens is increasing, especially in rural areas where emergency services can be on the road for longer.

Through the Heart Foundation you can easily follow a resuscitation course and learn how to use an AED. This increases your knowledge and gives you the tools to perform life-saving actions.

Why every minute counts

In cardiac arrest, the heart stops pumping, preventing oxygenated blood from being pumped to the brain and other vital organs. Within minutes, this can lead to irreversible damage or even death. This is why citizen responders are so important. They can bridge the time until professional help is available and in many cases prevent a fatal outcome.

• Resuscitation should begin within 1-3 minutes of cardiac arrest.
• An AED must be able to administer a shock within 6 minutes to maximize the chance of survival.

The importance of accessible AEDs

In addition to citizen responders, the presence of sufficient AEDs is of great importance. AEDs must be easily accessible, especially in public areas such as shopping malls, sports facilities and residential areas. Through initiatives such as the BuurtAED you can purchase an AED together with your neighbors and make it available in your neighborhood.

How can you help?

• Take a CPR course : Learn how to effectively perform CPR and use an AED. You can easily do this via the Heart Foundation .
• Register as a citizen responder via HartslagNu .
• Donate for a Neighborhood AED : Make sure there are enough AEDs available in your neighborhood.

Want to know more about which AED is best suited for your situation? Then check out the extensive information and compare different models on AEDwijzer (place link). Here you will find everything you need to know to make the right choice.

Conclusion

The impact of citizens on the 6-minute zone is of vital importance. By registering as a citizen responder and ensuring that AEDs are available in your area, you can make a direct contribution to the chances of survival in the event of cardiac arrest. Every minute counts, and together we can significantly increase the chances of survival in the event of cardiac arrest.

Want to know more or sign up? Visit HartslagNu or the Hartstichting for more information.