The increased use of automated external defibrillators (AEDs) has led to improved survival from out-of-hospital cardiac arrests (OHCA), according to a study conducted in the Netherlands. In total, 6,133 OHCAs were identified over the 7-year study period. An increase in survival rate following OHCA was observed in patients who presented with a shockable initial rhythm (from 29.1% to 41.4%; P for trend <0.0001). Rates of survival increased at each stage (to emergency department, to admission, and to discharge) in these patients. During the study period, the rates of AED use almost tripled (21.4% to 59.3%; P for trend <0.0001). Given the favourable outcomes associated with increased AED use on OHCA, continuous efforts to introduce or extend AED programs are recommended.