Sparkasse Märkisch-Oderland has installed publicly accessible AED devices (automated external defibrillator) in all of its branches. The devices are located in the self-service area of the branches and are open to the public from Monday to Sunday from 5 am to 11 pm. In the municipality of Rüdersdorf bei Berlin, this applies to the branches in the districts of Hennickendorf and Rüdersdorf.
With around 100,000 cases per year, sudden cardiac death is the most common cause of death outside of hospitals in Germany. With the help of chest compressions and the use of an AED, up to 75% of those affected can survive. The AEDs are designed so that they can also be used by inexperienced laypersons - the device explains the steps to be taken during use.