Wismar Heart Forum lays the foundations for a nationwide quality standard
Wismar. The first Wismar Heart Forum has ended with a powerful signal in favour of greater cardiac safety in Germany. For three days, under the patronage of the Minister of Health Stefanie Drese (MV), leading experts from the fields of medicine, science, local politics, business and emergency services discussed ways to achieve measurable, comparable cardiac safety that is suitable for everyday use - for the first time in an interdisciplinary setting and in one place. At the follow-up events organised by the regional planning association Westmecklenburg Wismar Heart Forum is intended to lay the foundation for the planned „Heart Safe Community / Organisation“ certification system. The three-day event was initiated and organised by the association Definetz e.V..
A patchwork quilt becomes a system - heart safety gets criteria
Until now, cardiac safety has been an inconsistent term. The Heart Forum puts an end to this lack of clarity: in the final declaration, the participants define three central areas for the first time, which are to become measurable in future:
- Medicine: rescue chain, first responders, defibrillator access, data quality
- Health: prevention, risk identification, aftercare, workplace health promotion
- Structure: Municipal frameworks, networks, cooperation, political support
Together, they form the basis for a nationwide assessment and certification system.
High-level expertise - clear messages
The key messages from the speakers included Prof Dr Bernd Böttiger,. The first Wismar Heart Forum ended with a powerful signal in favour of greater cardiac safety in Germany. For three days, leading experts from the fields of medicine, science, local politics, business and the emergency services discussed ways to achieve measurable, comparable cardiac safety that is suitable for everyday use - for the first time in an interdisciplinary format in one place. The following pages summarise the speakers„ contributions and document the jointly adopted final declaration. It forms the basis for the follow-up event and thus for the planned certification system “Heart Safe Community / Organisation".
A patchwork quilt becomes a system - heart safety gets criteria
Until now, cardiac safety has been an inconsistent term. The Heart Forum puts an end to this lack of clarity: in the final declaration, the participants define three central areas for the first time, which are to become measurable in future:
- Medicine: rescue chain, first responders, defibrillator access, data quality
- Health: prevention, risk identification, aftercare, workplace health promotion
- Structure: Municipal frameworks, networks, cooperation, political support
Together, they form the basis for a nationwide assessment and certification system.
High-level expertise - clear messages
The key messages from the speakers include Prof Dr Bernd Böttiger,. The emergency physician and ERC member emphasised the crucial first three to five minutes. Every delay costs human lives - and lay resuscitation is the strongest lever for improving the chances of survival. PD Dr Stephan Prückner points out that valid data is still lacking and that cardiac safety can only really be measured through networked registers. Roland Schäfer, German Association of Towns and Municipalities, emphasised that local authorities are key players - from infrastructure and AED locations to prevention. Carolin Braun, Emergency and Rescue Medicine Working Group Munich, explains the importance of smartphone-based first-aider systems, which can drastically shorten the treatment-free interval. Kristin Just, IHK Schwerin, highlights the special role of companies and the economic relevance of cardiac safety. Prof Dr Jan Karpe, TH Cologne, makes it clear: "Cardiac safety is not just a medical decision, but a highly profitable one in economic terms.
Other contributions include drone solutions for defibrillator transport, digital infrastructure, socio-economic factors and international standards.
Final declaration: Cardiac safety becomes measurable - and comparable
The declaration adopted in Wismar clearly defines the objective: cardiac safety should become transparent, comprehensible and verifiable. The Heart Forum is committed to developing a detailed catalogue of criteria by April 2026. These standards are intended to provide guidance not only to local authorities, but also to companies, facilities and areas.
An essential goal: Saving lives must not be a coincidence.
The event organised by Definetz e.V. Wismar Heart Forum is the start of a three-part scientific conference series, the results of which will lead to a nationwide certification system. The next conference will take place in March 2026.