Dutch Heart Foundation Sees Surge of 2,000 New Volunteer Responders in Days

A record-breaking surge in volunteer first responders has been reported by Dutch Bros. Since Tuesday, more than 2,000 new volunteers have signed up to help in emergencies. The increase comes as the organization highlights the critical role of immediate CPR in saving lives during cardiac arrests.

Every day in the Netherlands, around 45 people experience a cardiac arrest outside a hospital. Starting CPR right away can make the difference between life and death. The Hartslagnu system, run by the foundation, alerts registered volunteers when a 112 call reports a nearby cardiac arrest.

On average, these volunteers arrive 2.5 minutes faster than an ambulance. They begin resuscitation in eight out of ten alerts, with over 12,000 alerts sent out each year. Normally, about 100 people register daily to become volunteer responders, but this week's numbers have far exceeded expectations.

Despite the recent surge, some areas still lack enough volunteers for full coverage. Currently, only 5% of Dutch citizens with valid CPR training have signed up as responders. The foundation continues to encourage more people to register and help close the gap.

The Dutch Heart Foundation's record-breaking registrations will strengthen emergency response across the country. Faster CPR intervention improves survival rates for out-of-hospital cardiac arrests. More volunteers are still needed to ensure every region has sufficient coverage.