In emergencies, every second counts. Providing first aid should be second nature, but many people hesitate for fear of doing something wrong. Thanks to the “Herzensanfrage” project on the Nordmarkt, this inhibition threshold has now been significantly reduced.
With almost 5,000 euros in support from the Nordstadt neighborhood fund, an “automated external defibrillator” (AED) was installed in the kiosk of the Diakonisches Werk on Nordmarkt. An AED is a portable device that tests like that
Heart beats. If necessary, it delivers an electric shock to normalize the heartbeat. The device explains step by step what needs to be done, so that it can also be used by medical laypeople.
The new defibrillator is intentionally located in a place where coffee and tea are usually served and conversations are held every day: From now on, it is available to the public at the Nordmarkt kiosk at Mallinckrodtstrasse 65, seven days a week during the day for twelve hours. Accompanying training taught the correct use of the device and valuable first aid knowledge. “The strategic placement of defibrillators in areas of public life such as the Nordmarkt will significantly improve the availability of life-saving devices in the event of a cardiac arrest,” says Heike Lindenblatt from the Office for Urban Renewal. “The presence of defibrillators in the neighborhood can increase residents’ overall sense of security, knowing that life-saving devices are available in the event of an emergency
Measures can be taken,” she emphasizes.
Users of the Nordmarkt, participants in various measures and employees from surrounding institutions have already received a practical introduction to using the device under professional guidance. The training courses, which were individually tailored to the needs of the participants and the special features of the location, contributed to increased sensitivity and awareness.
“Of course we hope that the defibrillator never has to be used. But it gives our employees and participants a feeling of security in the event of an emergency. The clear exercises and explanations in simple language have broken down many inhibitions,” reflects Sascha Abdinghoff, head of work at Passgenau of the Diakonisches Werk. “The defibrillator
is easy to use and guides the helpers step by step through the life-saving process – fear of contact is unnecessary,” he confirms.
Judith Krüger from the Nordstadt district management is also enthusiastic: “’A matter of the heart’ combines the topic of health in the district with neighborly commitment and thus creates a remarkable and
special initiative in the district.”
(quoted from a press release from the Nordstadt district management)
