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The HEARTSafe Initiative: Improving Outcomes for Sudden Cardiac Arrest
The HEARTSafe Community initiative is a national preparedness program created by the Citizen CPR Foundation dedicated to improving outcomes of sudden cardiac arrest. This designation is awarded to cities that demonstrate extreme preparedness in the areas of cardiac emergencies, training, preparation and response protocols.
The program aims to reduce the number of cardiac deaths through collaboration with community partners and increased access to critical medical interventions. In order to receive HEARTSafe certification, 13 requirements must be fulfilled, including:
- Widespread CPR training for residents and city employees
- Providing public access to Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs)
- Aggressive resuscitation protocols for first responders and area hospitals
- The implementation of strategies to improve public awareness and intervention
Becoming a HEARTSafe community is our way of showing our continued commitment to the cardiac health of Grand Haven, Spring Lake, and Ferrysburg citizens and visitors. Our efforts to receive this designation also provides greater access to life-saving skills and technology for all who enter our communities.
How it works
Our three main goals
Widespread CPR Training
Educate citizens to take action in emergencies.
Accessible AEDs
Place defibrillators in public spaces for rapid response.
Resuscitation Protocols
Equip first responders and hospitals with best practices.
Frequently asked questions
Why is the HEARTSafe initiative important?
Sudden cardiac arrest is a leading cause of death, but it is treatable. Survival rates plummet by 10% for every minute without CPR or defibrillation. A HEARTSafe Community aims to save lives by ensuring that when someone collapses, the people around them are trained to recognize the emergency, call 911, perform CPR, and use an AED before first responders arrive. This immediate “bystander action” can double or even triple a victim’s chance of survival.
What is an AED, and can I hurt someone if I use it?
An Automated External Defibrillator (AED) is a portable device that checks the heart rhythm and can send an electric shock to the heart to restore a normal rhythm. Modern AEDs are designed to be used by anyone, regardless of training. The device uses voice prompts to guide you step-by-step and will not deliver a shock unless it detects a specific heart rhythm that requires one. You cannot accidentally shock someone who doesn’t need it.
How does living in a HEARTSafe Community benefit me and my family?
Living in a HEARTSafe Community means you are surrounded by a safety net of prepared neighbors and first responders. It increases the likelihood that if you or a loved one suffers a cardiac emergency in public—at a grocery store, park, or office—an AED will be nearby and someone will know how to help immediately. It creates a safer environment where survival is a community priority.
What should I do if I see someone collapse?
In a HEARTSafe Community, we teach the “Call-Push-Shock” method.
Call: Call 911 immediately.
Push: Start Hands-Only CPR by pushing hard and fast in the center of the chest.
Shock: Send someone to find the nearest AED and use it as soon as possible. Acting quickly is the most critical factor in saving a life.
How can my business or school become a HEARTSafe partner?
Businesses and schools are critical links in the Chain of Survival. To become a partner, you can commit to training a percentage of your staff or faculty in CPR and installing accessible AEDs on your premises. By doing so, you not only contribute to the community’s overall “Heartbeat” score but also protect your employees, students, and customers. Contact us to learn about group training rates or grants for purchasing AEDs.
Does my smartphone help in a cardiac emergency?
In many HEARTSafe communities, we utilize apps like PulsePoint. If you know CPR, you can download the app and agree to be notified if a cardiac arrest occurs in a public place near you. This allows nearby citizens to start CPR while official first responders are still en route. Check with our local coordinator to see if our dispatch center supports this technology.
Do I need to be a medical professional to volunteer?
No! While we value the expertise of doctors, nurses, and EMTs, the heart of this program is community involvement. We need volunteers from all walks of life to help with administrative tasks, event planning, fundraising, and spreading awareness. Anyone can be a “HEARTSafe Champion” by advocating for AEDs in their workplace, school, or place of worship. Contact us for opportunities.
How does our community earn the "HEARTSafe" designation?
Communities earn this designation by accumulating “Heartbeats”—points awarded for specific achievements. These include training a certain percentage of the population in CPR, placing AEDs in public buildings and police vehicles, and ensuring our 911 dispatchers can provide over-the-phone CPR instructions. Volunteers are essential in helping us document these achievements and reach our point goal.
Empowering our community with the skills and tools to save lives.
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