A fiber node is a small grey cabinet in which Ziggo cables converge. It can be found at a central spot, usually at the edge of a residential district or in the vicinity of exit roads. The hub is therefore a very suitable location to place an AED.
Chance of survival increased
An AED is a portable device that can deliver a shock in the event of cardiac arrest. As a result of this, the heart can return to its normal rhythm and you can save a life. The sooner you use an AED in the event of cardiac arrest, the greater the chance of survival. That is why it is vital that there is an AED in each neighbourhood.
Shopping centres, stations and companies
AEDs can be found at many public places in the Netherlands, such as shopping centres, train stations and companies. 75 specially-trained Ziggo technicians have been driving around with such an electric ‘heart starter’ for a number of years already, so that they can turn up in the event of an emergency. Several companies collaborate in this way with partners like the Netherlands Heart Foundation and municipalities.
Solution for Franeker
Van der Weerd Installatietechniek contacted VodafoneZiggo in order to come up with a solution together in Franeker. The Ziggo structure at the corner of the Voorstraat and the Breedeplaats ultimately turned out to be the ideal spot. On 20 January 2022, the AED was placed.
Technicians with an AED in the van
“We are happy that we are able to participate in this initiative of the municipality and the installation company”, says Nicole Hoebink, director of Installation and Maintenance at VodafoneZiggo. “Our technicians proudly drive around with the AEDs. They have already offered help in emergency situations many times. It’s great to see that we can also lend a helping hand now via our structures. As far as we’re concerned, this will definitely not be the last AED that we place at a hub. We’d like to invite municipalities who are interested in this to contact us.”
Smooth cooperation
“The cooperation went very smoothly”, says Aafra Langhout, from Technical Commercial Service at Van der Weerd Installatietechniek. “We often support the municipality of Waadhoeke with our broad range of services. The municipality gave us a clear assignment in this case. Via the responsible environment manager it was arranged within a few weeks. With the help of Ziggo technicians, we were able to carry that out quickly and effectively. Each AED at a prominent spot enhances the safety of people with a weak heart. We are therefore happy to contribute to this good cause.”
7.00 victims per day
There are about 240,000 people living with heart failure in the Netherlands. Two thirds of them are 75 or older. In 2020, more than 7,000 people died of heart failure. This is about 11 women and 9 men per day. Every year, more than 29,000 people are admitted to hospital for heart failure. About 17,000 people suffer a cardiac arrest outside the hospital each year.
Within 6 minutes
The number of certified first responders has risen rapidly to 245,000 in the past years. It’s now possible to begin resuscitation within 6 minutes throughout the Netherlands, thanks to the considerable efforts of these first responders and the growing presence of AEDs at prominent spots. (Source: Netherlands Heart Foundation)