More than 100 people learn lifesaving CPR skills at Luton shopping centre event
More than 100 people learned lifesaving CPR and defibrillator techniques during a free training event at The Mall in Luton.
The event took place on Friday, October 16, from 10am to 4pm, giving shoppers and members of the public the opportunity to learn how to respond to a cardiac arrest.
A total of 103 people signed up to take part in the training, which focused on basic life support, teaching CPR and how to use an automated external defibrillator (AED).
The event coincided with Restart a Heart, an annual campaign led by Resuscitation Council UK to encourage more people to learn CPR and improve survival rates from out-of-hospital cardiac arrests.
Fewer than one in 10 people who suffer a cardiac arrest outside hospital survive, but receiving CPR and having access to a defibrillator can significantly improve their chances.
Around 4,000 emergency 999 calls are made to the East of England Ambulance Service NHS Trust (EEAST) each year for patients who have suffered a cardiac arrest.
Every minute without CPR and defibrillation can reduce the chance of survival by around 10 per cent while an ambulance is on its way.
EEAST is encouraging people to build their confidence in responding to an emergency through its EEAST Heart community education programme.
Run by volunteers, the programme provides free training in basic life support and defibrillator awareness, with sessions funded by donations to the East of England Ambulance Service Charity.
Jacqui Dilley, from Dunstable-based Trainingsmith, has been teaching CPR for 13 years to ensure more people can respond with confidence in a cardiac arrest emergency.
She has trained over 2500 people and said: “Every time someone leaves a course, I feel reassured to know they could help save a life.”
And this was the case for Samantha Lay-Flurrie, who had taken Jacqui’s course and was able to spring into action when an elderly man became unresponsive and had a cardiac arrest.
Dunstable MP Alex Mayer, who used to work for the British Heart Foundation, got a hands-on refresher with Jacqui.
She said: “Thanks to Jacqui for letting me brush up my skills. Her work is really important. The clear message is doing something is always better than standing back. You don’t need to be a medical expert to start CPR and give someone a chance. Those few minutes could make all the difference.”
If someone is in cardiac arrest, call 999 immediately and start CPR. The emergency call handler can provide instructions and help locate the nearest defibrillator.
Automated external defibrillators (AEDs) provide clear, step-by-step instructions and can be used by members of the public. You do not need to be a medical professional to use one.
People can book a free EEAST Heart training session here.