PEOPLE across the West Midlands are being urged to learn life-saving skills ahead of ‘Restart A Heart Day’ on Monday, October 16.
The clinical team at Midlands Air Ambulance Charity (MAAC) are hoping people will take part in the day which highlights the importance of basic CPR skills.
The charity is encouraging local schools, groups and businesses to sign up to the charity’s free Mission Support skills sessions, which teach CPR and how to confidently use an automated external defibrillator (AED).
Each year in the UK, approximately 30,000 out of hospital cardiac arrests happen. Sadly, the chances of survival and recovery are less than 10 per cent.
If CPR is performed by bystanders the person’s chance of survival can be more than doubled.
Learning this simple, yet vital skill ensures patients have as much oxygen in the brain as possible for when emergency services arrive. This can help save lives.
One example was Nigel Davis who suffered an out of hospital cardiac arrest in July 2021 at his home.
The CPR performed by Nigel’s brother-in-law prior to the arrival of the charity’s critical care paramedic, meant there was enough oxygen reaching his brain to not only give him the best chance of regaining a pulse but also without any neurological damage.
After the advanced interventions of the charity’s critical care paramedic, Nigel regained a pulse and made a remarkable neurological recovery.
Richard Apps, critical care paramedic and Cosford airbase lead at Midlands Air Ambulance Charity, said: “Approximately 30 per cent of the 4,500 missions we attend each year are for out of hospital cardiac arrests.
“Chest compressions are such a simple skill to learn and by taking part in our Mission Support skills sessions, you will be helping save lives in your local area by having the confidence to perform effective CPR.”
Email [email protected] to register interest in taking part in the charity’s Mission Support sessions.
Go to midlandsairambulance.com or follow the charity on social media for further details on supporting the MAAC.
