HEARTSAFE 2.0: Building Resilient HEARTSAFE Communities
A sudden out-of-hospital cardiac arrest is one of the leading causes of death in Europe. Survival depends on how quickly help arrives.
In many regions, emergency response systems are fragmented, AED (automated external defibrillator) coverage is limited, and volunteer networks are underdeveloped. As a result, survival chances still vary widely across countries.
"Survival chances decrease by 10% every minute without CPR or defibrillation"
Every minute counts when someone suffers a cardiac arrest. HEARTSAFE 2.0 brings together partners across Northwest Europe to improve survival by strengthening community response systems, connecting volunteers, AEDs and emergency services.
Better systems. Faster response. More lives saved.
HEARTSAFE 2.0 is a European project improving cardiac arrest survival by strengthening community first responder systems, increasing AED access, and improving emergency response coordination.
The project benefits a wide range of stakeholders:
- Citizens, through faster response and improved survival chances
- Community first responders and AED owners, through training and support
- Emergency services and hospitals, through better coordination and system integration
- Authorities and policymakers, through practical tools and strategies
- NGOs and communities, through support to grow responder networks
A Three Pillar Approach to Cardiac Arrest Survival
Three pillars for stronger response systems. Our approach combines strategy, innovation and community action to ensure that more people receive lifesaving help when every second counts.
A shared strategy and quality framework
We develop a shared HEARTSAFE strategy and support each region in creating tailored action plans. A HEARTSAFE Quality Framework provides clear indicators, tools and a certification approach to help communities improve and benchmark their response systems.
Innovation and system improvement
We introduce digital solutions that strengthen emergency response systems. A real-time analytics platform enables monitoring and continuous improvement, while a post-resuscitation support platform provides structured aftercare for responders, survivors and families.
Community building and training
We build strong communities by training citizens, responders and professionals. Through modular training, awareness campaigns and knowledge exchange, we empower people to act and strengthen local responder networks.
Our Pilot Regions Across Northwest Europe
HEARTSAFE 2.0 is currently implemented in three countries:
- Ireland – Galway
- Belgium – Leuven
- Germany – Neuwied
These regions test and refine solutions in real-life settings, ensuring they can be scaled across Europe.
Pilot regions
Partners
Aim for trained volunteers
Aim for registered AEDs
Key Outputs of the HEARTSAFE 2.0 Project
By the end of the project, HEARTSAFE 2.0 will deliver:
- A shared HEARTSAFE strategy and regional action plans
- A validated quality framework with indicators and certification tools
- Strengthened responder networks with 600+ trained volunteers and 150+ AEDs
- Integrated digital solutions for system improvement and post-resuscitation support
- A modular training programme and public engagement strategy
- Policy recommendations and roadmaps for future expansion
Cross-Border Collaboration in Cardiac Arrest Response
By working across countries, HEARTSAFE 2.0 overcomes legal, technical and organisational barriers.
Shared standards, joint testing and continuous knowledge exchange between our consortium partners ensure that solutions are effective locally and scalable across Europe.
A Scalable Model for Cardiac Arrest Response in Europe
HEARTSAFE 2.0 creates a practical and scalable model for community-driven emergency response systems; helping save more lives across Northwest Europe and beyond.
HEARTSAFE NWE
Read more about our previous project HEARTSAFE NWE on our project website or scroll through some highlights below.