EEAST to stage CPR training events for Restart a Heart campaign

The East of England Ambulance Service NHS Trust (EEAST) will hold a series of public CPR training events throughout October in support of Restart a Heart, a national campaign led by the Resuscitation Council UK.

What began as a single awareness day on 16 October has grown into a month-long campaign dedicated to helping more people learn lifesaving CPR, understand how to use a defibrillator and feel confident stepping forward in an emergency.

Every year, thousands of people across the UK suffer an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest. Survival rates remain low, with fewer than one in ten people surviving. However, early recognition, immediate CPR and rapid access to a defibrillator can dramatically improve a person's chances of survival.

Throughout October, EEAST teams will be delivering hands-on CPR training sessions at venues across the region, giving members of the public the opportunity to learn skills that could one day save a life.

Full details of event dates and locations are available on the EEAST website and will be updated regularly as more sessions are confirmed.

The campaign aims to give as many people as possible the knowledge and confidence to take action when someone suffers a cardiac arrest. Research shows that bystander intervention in the first few minutes can make a critical difference before emergency services arrive.

As part of Restart a Heart month, EEAST will also be sharing videos across its social media channels to tackle common myths about CPR and address some of the concerns that can prevent people from helping in an emergency.

Emily Le-Gallienne, Principal Lecturer – Resuscitation at the East of England Ambulance Service (EEAST) NHS Trust, said:

"When someone suffers a cardiac arrest, every second counts. Starting CPR straight away and using a nearby defibrillator can significantly increase the chances of survival.

"Many people worry about doing the wrong thing, but taking action is always better than doing nothing. Restart a Heart is about giving people the confidence to step forward and help when it matters most.

"We'd encourage everyone to attend one of our training events or engage with online resources during October. You never know when these simple skills could help save the life of a friend, family member or member of your community."

The current events have been arranged throughout October. Please be advised that these are subject to change and we advise that you check www.eastamb.nhs.uk website before attending.

Confirmed CPR Training Events by Sector

Bedfordshire and Luton • Fri 16 Oct –10:00 – 16:00 – Luton Mall • Fri 16 Oct – 09:00 – 17:00 – Bedford Harpur Centre

Cambridgeshire and Peterborough • Fri 16 Oct – All Day – Grand Arcade, Cambridge** ** In partnership with Magpas Air Ambulance, Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Royal Papworth Hospital NHS Foundation Trust and East Anglian Air Ambulance

• Wed 21 Oct – 09:00 – 17:30 Cathedral Square, Peterborough** ** In partnership with North West Anglia NHS Foundation Trust

Norfolk and Waveney • Wed 14 Oct, 2pm - U3A United Reform Church Diss • Fri 16 Oct, 7.30pm – Palgrave Community Centre, Diss • Tue 27 Oct, 10:00 – 16:00 The Hive, Great Yarmouth Library, The Place, 37-39 Market Place, Great Yarmouth, NR30 1LX

Suffolk and North East Essex • Tue 5 Oct – 6.30pm - Church Hall, Bear Street, Nayland • Fri 16 Oct – 10:00 – 16:00 – Colchester Zoo • Fri 16 Oct – 09:30 – 16:00 – Jimmy’s Farm, Pannington Hall, Pannington Lane, Ipswich • Wed 21 Oct – 6.30pm - Nayland Village Hall, • Sat 24 Oct, 10.30am - Bures Community Centre, • Sat 24 Oct, 1.30pm - Bures Community Centre,

Mid and South Essex • Fri 16 Oct – 10:00 – 16:00 – High Chelmer Shopping Centre, Chelmsford