When every minute counts, the Heartrunner system saves time

At Heartrunner Sweden, we are driven by the conviction that we all have the power to make a difference—and we’ve proven it. Since 2009, we have pioneered innovative technology for time-critical emergencies, such as swift CPR in out-of-hospital cardiac arrests (OHCA) while waiting for an ambulance. We have fostered strong volunteer cultures and engaged communities. Guided by a commitment to humanity, research, and technological advancement, our system serves as an enabler—every day, volunteers run to save lives, and together, we’re making a measurable impact in increasing survival.
Leading and flexible
We are the leading organization in Europe in terms of volunteer density per capita, outperforming comparable systems. We’ve proven that when citizens are involved, more lives are saved. In Sweden and Denmark, the philosophy emphasizes inclusivity, welcoming anyone with CPR skills and a willingness to assist. However, this approach may not align with the preferences or requirements of your region or country. Our system is fully adaptable to meet your specific needs and comply with local regulations.
Research oriented
Starting as a research pilot project over 15 years ago, today, Heartrunner safeguards 80% of Sweden’s population and operates nationally in Denmark. Through our network of 300,000 dedicated volunteers, we protect 14 million people. However, best known for saving lives in OHCA, our system can support any time-critical event, and since 2023, we have enabled volunteer action in fires.
We embody the power of collective action and innovation in situations when every minute counts.
Since the start, over 30 research studies have been conducted on the Heartrunner system, and new ones are in the making.
A value-driven system
The Heartrunner system facilitates volunteer culture and action, making invaluable marks in life.
An indispensable link in the chain that saves lives
In practice, this is how the chain of events may unfold during an OHCA:
Why volunteer action in OHCA impacts life
- The biggest killer in the world is cardiac-related diseases
- Every year, 350,000 people suffer OHCA in Europe, only 10 % survive
- Early CPR increases survival in OHCA
- In general, the arrival time for ambulances has increased; in Sweden, the average is 15 minutes
- CPR needs to start within minutes and before the ambulance arrives
- Most OHCA occurs at home, where the number of bystanders is usually low.

Early CPR is a critical factor in improving survival rates in OHCA, as it helps maintain vital blood flow to the brain and other organs until professional medical care arrives. Every minute without CPR reduces the chance of survival by 10%, making immediate action essential. Equipping individuals with CPR skills empowers communities to respond effectively in emergencies, bridging the gap between the incident and the arrival of emergency services. By learning CPR, we not only enhance public safety but also foster a culture of responsibility, ensuring more lives can be saved when minutes matter most.
Unique track record standing out
The Heartrunner system, with its long experience and a 100% implementation success rate, offers maximum performance, dependability, and efficiency. Read more on the tech.
Groundbreaking volunteer responder system recognized with prestigious awards

Since the start, Heartrunner Sweden has been recognized with numerous prestigious awards in the med-tech sector, highlighting our commitment to innovation and saving lives, quality, and excellence in facilitating volunteer action.
- 2024: Our co-founders received Karolinska Institutet Innovation Award
- 2023: The EENA 112 Award was granted to the Swedish volunteer responder Ann-Christine, who saved a young mother’s life, and TrygFonden Hjerteløber in Denmark, who alerts volunteer responders nationally via our system.
- 2019: InUSe Award
- 2017: Madrid APPetece Award
- 2017: Athena Award, Dagens Medicin (Daily Medicin Newspaper)
- 2017: Medtech4Health Innovation Award
- 2013: Service of the Year at the Telekom Gala
- 2012: Östen Mäkitalos Memorial Award, Telia
- 2012: Swedish Cartographic Society’s Innovation Award
- 2007: IT idea of the year within healthcare, Dagens Medicin (Daily Medicin Newspaper)