A cardiac arrest can happen to anyone. The first six minutes are crucial to save a life. Therefore, the Municipality of Leeuwarden encourages initiatives that contribute to a heart-safe neighborhood. In De Zuidlanden, resident Mireille Bus – van der Meer took the lead. With her experience in emergency services and a big heart for her community, she committed herself to resuscitation training and three new AEDs. Her story shows how one resident can mobilize an entire neighborhood.
I want to keep helping others
Mireille has lived in Wiarda for five years. She worked for fifteen years in emergency services at the fire department. Due to health reasons, she can no longer do that work, but her involvement remained. “I want to keep helping others,” she says.
When she moved to De Zuidlanden, she wondered about the heart safety there. In some neighborhoods, no AED was present or coverage was not optimal. Many resuscitation certificates had also expired due to the corona period. That made her think: there is room for improvement here.
From first idea to neighborhood project
Mireille started simply: by looking at what was already there and what was missing. Through Facebook and WhatsApp groups, she asked neighbors if there was a need for refresher training and where an AED could possibly be placed. The responses were positive, and soon it appeared she was not the only one working on this. In De Klamp, resident André Eefting was working on a similar initiative. “We joined forces and continued together,” says Mireille.
She looked for a trainer who provides courses according to the guidelines of the Dutch Resuscitation Council and was willing to teach in the neighborhood itself. Thanks to the municipalitys subsidy, the training could be offered at a low cost. This made it easier for many people to participate. The training consisted of theory and practice, where participants could see exactly what went well and what could be improved using mannequins and digital feedback. Afterward, everyone received a certificate and could re-register with Hartslagnu.
Three new AEDs in the neighborhood
Besides the training, Mireille and André wanted to improve AED coverage. They searched for suitable locations and residents willing to provide power for the outdoor cabinets. This resulted in three new AEDs in Goutum Súd, Techum, and De Klamp. André took care of management and regularly checks the devices. “Fortunately, there is enough support in the neighborhood to share maintenance costs,” says Mireille.
A neighborhood ready for each other
The reactions from the neighborhood were warm and involved. “People appreciated that this was organized. The faster someone starts resuscitating and connects an AED, the greater the chance of survival,” says Mireille.
Currently, 96 citizen responders are active in postal code area 8941. This gives Mireille peace of mind. “It is nice to be able to help someone when needed, but also to know there are people who can help me until the ambulance arrives.”
Subsidy for AEDs and training
The Municipality of Leeuwarden supports residents who want to contribute to a heart-safe neighborhood. Subsidies are available again in 2026. Residents can apply all year round for the purchase of an AED or for organizing a resuscitation or refresher course. The municipality reimburses 50% of the costs, up to a maximum of €2,000 per application, as long as subsidies are available. More information is available at https://www.leeuwarden.nl/aednetwerk.