Towards the “Cardioprotected Community”

Interview with Valerio Pelini

di Francesca Conti

Why did Aicarm decide to launch the “Cardioprotected Community” project?
Aicarm is a unique voluntary association, formed by patients affected by cardiomyopathy and their referring physicians. Our main goal is to improve the quality of life of patients and contribute to scientific research. In recent years we have carried out many initiatives, from training to the protection of patients' rights, and now we want to focus on cardiopulmonary resuscitation and the use of automatic external defibrillators (AEDs). Cardiac arrest, although a rare complication of cardiomyopathy, can be fatal if not treated immediately. For this reason, it is essential to create an effective intervention network in the territory.

What does the project consist of and what are its main objectives?
The “Comunità Cardioprotetta” project was born with the aim of experimenting, evaluating and spreading a model of organization of cardiopulmonary resuscitation on a territorial scale. It is not just about installing defibrillators, but ensuring that they are placed strategically and that there are people trained to use them. This model involves the active involvement of local communities, with the participation of schools, parishes, voluntary and sports associations. We want to create a rescue network that integrates with existing emergency services, to increase the cardiac safety of all citizens.

What is the role of local institutions in this initiative?
Local institutions are the heart of the project. Without the involvement of municipalities or districts, it would be difficult to structure an effective and long-lasting model. The mayor and local administrations have the task of convening the associations of the territory, identifying the spaces for the installation of defibrillators and organizing the training of personnel. Our goal is for the project to start with the support of Aicarm but, over time, to be managed directly by local institutions, allowing for its gradual expansion.

Where will the project be tested?
We have identified five pilot areas for 2025: Milan, where we have already started training activities in schools; Campi Bisenzio and Vaglia in Tuscany, two municipalities chosen for their willingness to test the model; Riccione in Emilia Romagna; and Vittoria, in the province of Ragusa. The idea is to start small, evaluate the results and then propose the extension of the project to other areas.
The testing process involves several steps: initially it is necessary to involvement of local institutions, where the mayor calls together the social articulations of the territory (schools, sports and cultural associations, parishes, volunteers) to start the project. Then the places where to install the AEDs will be selected, in Campi Bisenzio, for example, they will start with the library and the theater.
The first courses will be aimed at people who work in the selected places. If the model works, it will be gradually extended to schools, parishes, sports associations and other local entities. At the end of the experiment, we will analyze the results and, if positive, the project can be proposed on a larger scale.

What distinguishes this project from other similar initiatives?
Many cardioprotection projects focus only on the diffusion of defibrillators, but these are often installed without clear criteria and without adequate training. Our approach is different because it is based on a scientifically solid model that integrates the strategic positioning of the devices with widespread community training. Furthermore, we focus on the direct involvement of institutions, because we believe that a collective protection project must be managed by the territory itself, not by individual associations.

What is Aicarm's role in the project?
Aicarm acts as a catalyst for the project, providing scientific, methodological and, within the limits of its resources, also economic support (for example, for the purchase of some AEDs and initial training). However, once the model has been tested, the association will step back, leaving it to local institutions for management and possible expansion.
The innovative aspect of the project is the direct involvement of local institutions as protagonists of the process, in order to guarantee real community protection through a collective and structured commitment. The final ambition is that this model can become a national reference for cardioprotection in local communities.

If the trial is successful, what will be the next steps?
In Tuscany, if the project is successful in the two pilot municipalities, the next step will be to propose it to other municipalities in the Metropolitan City of Florence and, in perspective, to the Tuscany Region. We could then move from two municipalities to an entire metropolitan city, up to a possible regional adoption. The final goal is for the model to become a reference for other communities in Italy, creating a widespread system of cardioprotection at a national level.
Cardioprotection concerns everyone. Creating a “Cardioprotected Community” means networking people, institutions and associations to ensure timely interventions in case of emergency. Anyone can make a difference, both by participating in the training and supporting the project. With everyone’s contribution, we can build a health safety model that protects our communities and saves human lives.