Because heart failure on and off the field is unfortunately not an unknown phenomenon in a football stadium, Philips and PSV have made the Philips Stadium and PSV Campus De Herdgang 'heart safer' for supporters, players, staff and employees. With the installation of 38 AEDs, extensive training and an instructional video for supporters, the parties are taking concrete steps to provide more effective first aid in the event of cardiac arrest. The initiative is the first of its kind in the Netherlands and emphasizes the importance of heart safety at busy venues.
"As founder of the football club and namesake of the stadium, safety at Philips Stadium is very close to our hearts. A medical emergency one and a half years ago at PSV - Ajax showed us again how crucial quick action and the right resources are to make a difference in emergency situations," said Sylvia van Es, president of Philips Netherlands. "With this initiative, we are making PSV's stadium and training and sports fields more 'heart safe' and hope to raise awareness around heart safety. We also want to inspire others to take similar steps. Together we can make better care accessible to more people."
Instructional video helps supporters with assistance
Starting with PSV - FC Utrecht, a special instructional video will be shown at every PSV home game showing supporters how to act in case of cardiac arrest. The video will be a permanent part of the 'pre-match show', which is unique in the football world. This makes the 'twelfth man' not only a supporter, but also a potential lifesaver.
First football stadium in the Netherlands with instructional video on cardiac arrest assistance as regular part of PSV's 'pre-match show'
"Technology can save lives, but only if people know how to act. By raising awareness and providing the right tools, we ensure that every second counts. We are proud that together with our founder Philips we are raising awareness about heart safety. In this way we care for each other as a club, partners and supporters. That suits us very well," said Marcel Brands, General Director of PSV.
When a cardiac arrest occurs, every second counts
Every year in the Netherlands, 17,000 people suffer a cardiac arrest outside the hospital - a number comparable to a half-full Philips Stadium. With cardiac arrest, there is immediate acute danger to life and brain cells are damaged beyond repair after only four to six minutes. Thanks to the placement of 38 Automatic External Defibrillator (AED) in the Philips Stadium and at PSV Campus De Herdgang, quick help is now within reach.
The AEDs are strategically placed, clearly marked and therefore easy to find, so that a device is available within one to two minutes' walk. To ensure reliability, the AEDs are periodically checked and maintained by ProCardio. In addition, stewards, players and staff are trained in CPR and the use of an AED.
Local action, big impact: a 'heart safer' stadium and surroundings
Philips has been committed to better care for years and last year donated an eleven AEDs to PSV 1. Additional activities are also organized to further increase awareness of heart safety in the Philips Stadium.