Skip navigation

Gloucestershire Business News

Over 1,000 youngsters learn to restart a heart

The local air ambulance charity for Gloucestershire has helped 1,026 youngsters learn how to restart a heart over the last 12 months.

Great Western Air Ambulance Charity (GWAAC) launched its Great Western Heart Starters programme in October 2016, which is aimed at teaching secondary school pupils aged between 13 and 15 how to perform CPR, put people into the recovery position and how to use a defibrillator.

Since it was launched a year ago, five schools and the Bristol Children's Hospital have signed up to take part, and 1,026 young people have been taught life-saving skills by 145 volunteers.

The Great Western Heart Starters campaign is delivered with support from GWAAC's critical care team, doctors, paramedics, and UWE Bristol nursing and allied health professions students.

As part of the training, the young people are given the chance to practise their skills on specially adapted mannequins.

In support of European Restart a Heart Day, which takes place on Monday, October 16, GWAAC wants to encourage local schools to get involved in its campaign to teach as many young people how to perform CPR as possible.

Chris Hickey required the services of GWAAC in June 2017 after a sudden cardiac arrest at home.

He said: "I'm alive today because someone started CPR within a minute of my heart stopping. This gave time for the paramedics and GWAAC to get to me and complete the resuscitation process.

"If you see someone who has collapsed and who isn't breathing, dial 999 and be prepared to give it a try. You can't kill someone by doing CPR but people die if it isn't done in time."

Emma Carter, GWAAC's head of fundraising and marketing, said: "We want to encourage as many schools and community groups to get involved with our Great Western Heart Starters campaign as possible, to help us build and equip a future generation of live savers in the region we cover."

To find out more about GWAAC's Great Western Heart Starters campaign, get in touch with Claire Harmer by calling 0303 4444 999.

Picture caption: Great Western Heart Starters at Bristol Balloon Fiesta

Related Articles

Versarien's revenues halve and losses rise Image

Versarien's revenues halve and losses rise

Forest of Dean-based advanced engineering group Versarien saw its revenues halve last year.

Gloucestershire company launches same-day service Image

Gloucestershire company launches same-day service

Gloucester-based Freemans Event Partners has launched a brand-new around-the-clock foodservice logistics offer.

Gloucester business expands at Elmbridge Court Image

Gloucester business expands at Elmbridge Court

Just three offices are now available for rent at Elmbridge Court, following the latest letting.

Cirencester town centre to deliver improved parking Image

Cirencester town centre to deliver improved parking

Better parking and traffic control improvements for Cirencester residents and businesses.

Copyright 2024 Moose Partnership Ltd. All rights reserved. Reproduction of any content is strictly forbidden without prior permission.