Your Guide
Do you have any questions? Then feel free to browse through our guide. If you cannot find the answer to your question, please send us a message via the contact form.
The Challenge
Imagine every second counts—but no one knows where the nearest defibrillator is located. Many AEDs are hidden in buildings, poorly labeled, or not listed in any app. In an emergency, the search becomes a life-threatening obstacle course. We want to work with you to fill in these “blind spots” on the map.
Find, Snap, Score
Become a scout in your neighborhood. Once you find an AED, the rest is easy. When you find one (be aware of laws and respect private property), take a photo of the device and fill out the form. Submit it, and you’re done.
Your Impact, Your Gain
Safety first. Our team briefly checks each new entry for authenticity. Once your find has been verified, it goes live and you move up the leaderboard. This not only improves your chances of survival in your city, but also gives you the chance to win great prizes. Go from scout to lifesaver!
Fundamentals & Mission
What exactly is the Defi League?
The Defi League is a community project that combines lifesaving with fun and competition. Our goal: to find all defibrillators (AEDs) in your city and make them visible on a digital map so that they can be found immediately in an emergency.
What exactly is an AED device?
AED stands for “automated external defibrillator.” It is a compact, self-explanatory device that can restore the heart to its normal rhythm in the event of life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias by delivering targeted electric shocks.
Can I do anything wrong when using an AED?
No. The device talks to you and gives clear instructions. It only delivers a shock if it detects that this is necessary. You can’t do anything wrong—unless you do nothing at all.
Why is this project so important?
Every second counts in the event of cardiac arrest. AEDs are often located in buildings or in corners that no one knows about. The more complete our map is, the faster help can be provided in an emergency. As a scout, you are indirectly saving lives.
Participate & collect points
Who can participate in the Defi League?
Absolutely anyone is welcome to become a Defi Scout. This topic concerns us all. No one is excluded. Participation is open to anyone aged 14 and above.
Does participation cost anything?
No, participation is completely free of charge. Your commitment is your contribution to the community.
How do I report a device I have found?
It’s easy: when you discover an AED, open our web app, take a photo of the device and its location, and upload it. The GPS data is recorded automatically.
How old do I have to be to participate?
You should be at least 14 years old. If you are younger, you can participate through your parents and you can search together.
Are there bonus points?
No. You receive 10 points for each new, previously unknown AED. For each known device that you report, you receive 1 point. However, this only works once per device.
What happens if I report a defibrillator that is already on the map?
Don’t worry! You can “verify” existing entries. This means that you confirm that the device is still there and working. You will still receive 1 point for this.
Competition & Prizes
What can I win?
Cool prizes await the best scouts in the rankings. At the end of the season, your points will be converted into tickets. This means that the more points you have, the greater your chance of winning.
How long does a competition last?
A season lasts 3 months.
Where can I see my ranking?
The website features a top 10 table with the respective points. This allows you to see how many points you are behind the leaders.
What happens if there is a tie?
For the prize draw at the end, it is the total number of tickets collected that counts, not the order.
Locations & Search
Where can I find AED devices?
Keep your eyes open. They are often located in banks, supermarkets, train stations, sports centers, town halls, or large company buildings. Look for the green sign with the heart and lightning bolt symbol.
Can I also report devices in private buildings?
Yes, provided they are accessible to first responders (e.g., in the lobby of an office building). However, please make sure that you do not photograph any bystanders when taking pictures.
What should I do if a reported defibrillator is damaged?
You can leave us a note when uploading the information in the web app. This will allow us to inform the owner so that the device can be quickly repaired and made ready for use again.
In which cities can I currently search?
We are launching our pilot project in the district of Osnabrück. More cities will follow soon – stay tuned.
Technology & Data Protection
Do I have to register?
When you register, you only need to provide your email address and username. The username is used for display in the table. We need your email address so that we can contact you if you win.
What happens to my data?
Your data will be stored securely and used only for the competition. The locations of the AEDs will be anonymized for use on the public lifesaver map.
Do I need a special app?
You can easily use the DEFI League via your smartphone browser.
Legal & Security
Can I just walk into any building to look for an AED?
The rule here is: respect the property owner’s rights. Publicly accessible areas such as bank lobbies, shopping centers, or train stations are okay. Private property or locked company premises are off-limits unless you have permission. Always err on the side of caution.
What do I need to bear in mind when taking photos?
Very important: no people in the photos. Your photo should only show the AED and its immediate surroundings so that others can find it. Make sure that no faces or license plates are visible, otherwise we will unfortunately have to reject the report.
Am I responsible if the data in the app is incorrect?
No. You are a scout, not a guardian. We verify the data. You are not liable if a device is later moved or defective. Your report is a snapshot, and we are grateful for any information.
Do I have to watch out for traffic when searching?
Absolutely. Safety first. No place in the world is worth running across the street while looking at your phone. The app is designed so that you can stand still and mark your location. Do this calmly and in a safe environment.
Fairness & Anti-Cheat
What happens if someone reports fake locations?
Our Guardians check every report. Anyone who deliberately cheats or uploads fake photos will be excluded from the League and their points will be deleted. We play fair for a good cause.
Can I also report devices that I have found on the internet?
Nice idea, but no. The aim of the DEFI League is to ensure that the devices are actually confirmed on site. You have to be physically there and take a current photo. This is the only way to ensure that the map is reliable in the end.
Can you compete as a team?
Currently, everyone collects points for their own leaderboard account. But feel free to grab your friends! The search is more fun together, and you can “scour” different parts of the city at the same time.
Deep dive for professional scouts
What if the AED is in a box with an alarm?
This is an important point: never open the protective box just to take a photo! This often triggers a local alarm or notifies the emergency services. A photo through the glass pane of the box is perfectly adequate.
Why are some of my reports rejected?
This can happen if the photo is too blurry, the location was inaccurate, or people are visible in the picture. However, this should be the absolute exception.
What happens to my points after the end of the season?
Your points from the season determine your place in the rankings and the number of tickets you receive for the current prizes.
Can I also report AEDs at my school or university?
Yes, absolutely. Educational institutions in particular are often equipped with AEDs that are not yet listed on public maps. Just ask the janitor or the office if you can take a photo for the project—most of the time, they’ll be happy to help.
Is there a “heroic deed” medal?
Stay tuned. Together, we want to achieve great things and still have a lot planned for you.