Nihon Kohden Europe and LHL Strengthen Collaboration to Improve Survival After Sudden Cardiac Arrest in Norway

Advancing Heart-Safe Zones with the сardiolife AED-3100 and New Research Initiatives

Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA) remains one of the leading causes of death worldwide, where every minute without intervention significantly reduces a person's chance of survival. Increasing access to Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) and ensuring rapid response has therefore become a critical public health priority.

In Norway, our valued partner LHL ( LHL – The Norwegian Heart, Lung and Stroke Association) is leading the way with an ambitious mission: to increase survival rates after Sudden Cardiac Arrest through evidence-based deployment of AEDs and community-focused preparedness programs.

As a leading non-profit health organization with 52.000 members nationwide, LHL has been advocating for cardiovascular and pulmonary health for over 80 years. Through patient support, public education, research, and community engagement, the organization plays a significant role in improving healthcare outcomes across Norway.

Data-Driven Placement for Greater Impact

Research conducted in Norway highlights an important reality about where Sudden Cardiac Arrest events occur:

•    65% occur in residential areas
•    16% occur in public areas
•    2,2 % occur in businesses
•    1 % occur in sports facilities

•    Proportion of patients connected to an AED 20% 
•    1% increase in AED connected per year 2018-2025

* 2025 Norwegian Cardiac Arrest Registry (NorCAR)

Following internationally recognized European Resuscitation Council (ERC) Guidelines, LHL has developed a strategy focused on placing AEDs where they can have the greatest impact – primarily in residential and public environments where the overwhelming majority of cardiac arrests occur.

This approach forms the foundation of the organization's innovative Heart-Safe Zones initiative.

Heart-Safe Zones: Creating Safer Communities

The Heart-Safe Zones program aims to improve access to life-saving defibrillation by strategically deploying AEDs within communities, helping ensure that help is available when and where it is needed most. Each AED is continuously monitored and maintained through a combination of remote monitoring and regular inspections by LHL's trained volunteer Heart Guardians, ensuring that the devices remain ready for use at all times.

To support consistency, reliability, and ease of use across the program, LHL has selected a single AED platform for Heart-Safe Zones projects:

The Nihon Kohden сardiolife AED-3100

The сardiolife AED-3100 was chosen because it offers features that address the practical needs of public-access defibrillation programs while supporting efficient community deployment.

Key advantages include:

Robust Protection with a High IP Rating

Publicly accessible AEDs are often exposed to challenging environmental conditions. The cardiolife AED-3100's high ingress protection rating helps ensure reliability and durability in a wide range of outdoor and community settings.

Simple Pediatric Switch

Unlike many AED systems that require separate pediatric pads, the cardiolife AED-3100 features an integrated pediatric mode switch. With a simple action, responders can quickly adapt the device for pediatric patients, helping save valuable time during an emergency.

Economical Universal Pads

The cardiolife AED-3100 utilizes a single set of pads for both adult and pediatric patients. This simplifies maintenance, reduces operational complexity, and lowers total ownership costs while ensuring readiness for all potential users.

Expanding Knowledge Through Research

A significant new milestone in the Heart-Safe Zones journey is the launch of a research collaboration with Østfold University College.
The project, which commenced on May 26, will focus on:

•    Collecting patient data following AED deployment
•    Evaluating outcomes after Sudden Cardiac Arrest
•    Assessing the impact of AED accessibility within Heart-Safe Zones
•    Supporting future evidence-based improvements in community resuscitation efforts

The findings are expected to provide valuable insights into how AED placement and accessibility can further improve survival rates and patient outcomes.

Looking Ahead

Building on the success of existing Heart-Safe Zones / Hjertesikker sone® pilot, plans are already underway to expand the initiative further, with eight additional pilot cities envisioned for future implementation.
This expansion reflects a shared commitment between LHL and Nihon Kohden Europe to strengthen community preparedness and increase access to life-saving defibrillation across Norway.

A Partnership Focused on Saving Lives

At Nihon Kohden Europe, we are proud to collaborate with organizations that combine scientific evidence, community engagement, and a clear commitment to improving patient outcomes.

Through our partnership with LHL and the deployment of the cardiolife AED-3100, we are helping create safer communities and supporting initiatives that have the potential to save more lives from Sudden Cardiac Arrest.

Together, we are working toward a future where life-saving defibrillation is always within reach.