The initiative is led by Kaufland Czech Republic in collaboration with expert partners—the Czech Alliance for Cardiovascular Diseases (ČAKO), the Czech Resuscitation Council (ČRR), and the Faculty of Biomedical Engineering at the Czech Technical University (ČVUT). Their representatives are joining forces to improve public preparedness and make AEDs more accessible to people.
A shared commitment to a stronger “chain of survival”
The “For the Love of the Heart” coalition aims not only to increase the number of AEDs and awareness of their use but also to contribute to improving systemic conditions in the Czech Republic. The collaboration between the healthcare sector, academia, and the private sector enables the effective sharing of knowledge and experience that directly supports saving lives.
The partners reaffirmed their commitment by signing a memorandum, which also confirms their long-term cooperation in strengthening the so-called chain of survival—from the early recognition of sudden cardiac arrest, through the initiation of bystander CPR, to rapid defibrillation.
AEDs Increase the Chance of Survival
In the event of sudden cardiac arrest, immediate assistance is critical. Timely CPR and the use of an AED can increase the chance of survival by up to 50%. A rapid response from bystanders before the arrival of emergency services is therefore key.
“During sudden cardiac arrest, the heart muscle quivers and the heart stops pumping blood to the body. An electrical shock from an AED gives it a chance to return to its natural rhythm,” explains Prof. Jozef Rosina, M.D., Ph.D., MBA, Dean of the Faculty of Biomedical Engineering at the Czech Technical University in Prague. He adds that the biggest obstacle during intervention is not the technology, but a psychological barrier: “People are afraid they won’t be able to handle the situation or that they’ll hurt the patient, even though Czech law protects anyone acting in good faith.”
Fear Hinders Quick Assistance
Although two-thirds of Czechs have a basic understanding of what an AED is used for, only 4% know exactly how to use it and would feel confident doing so. Results from a March 2026 YouGov survey conducted for Kaufland show that fear is among the main obstacles to providing first aid.
In addition, 30% of Czechs are afraid of using an AED incorrectly, and nearly half are afraid they might harm the patient or feel embarrassed about performing the procedure itself. Only 27% of the population feels prepared to use an AED even without prior training, with men feeling more confident than women.
PhDr. Mgr. Pavel Böhm, Ph.D., MSc., MBA, from the Faculty of Biomedical Engineering adds: “We see the coalition’s main contribution in raising awareness about AEDs among the general public, in its systematic education—particularly in reducing fears about using an AED—and in opening a discussion about its availability and placement in appropriate locations.”
At the Faculty of Biomedical Engineering, we have been training emergency medical technicians since 2013, and during that time, nearly four hundred students have successfully completed the program. Their high level of professionalism is evidenced by the fact that students win numerous awards in competitions and among professionals, and there is great demand for them in the field.
Photo credit: Kaufland, Jiří Jevický
Translated with DeepL.com