Over 10,000 trained in life-saving CPR thanks to EEAST Heart community initiative
Date: 13 October 2025More than 10,000 people across the east of England have now been trained in life-saving CPR and defibrillator awareness, thanks to EEAST Heart – a free community initiative launched in 2023, run by volunteers and staff from the East of England Ambulance Service NHS Trust (EEAST).
When someone suffers a cardiac arrest outside of hospital, their chance of survival drops by around 10% for every minute without CPR. That’s why EEAST Heart is working to give members of the public the skills, confidence and courage to act quickly in a medical emergency.
Delivered by 124 dedicated EEAST volunteers and staff and funded entirely by generous donations to the East of England Ambulance Service Charity, EEAST Heart sessions teach Basic Life Support (BLS) and Automated External Defibrillator (AED) awareness. These vital skills can mean the difference between life and death.
“Our aim is to teach as many members of the public as possible an awareness of what to do in a medical emergency, what actions to take and when, and to give them the courage to make potentially life-changing decisions to help those who need it most,” said EEAST Heart Lead, Jonathan Needle.
“The free sessions are open to everyone. They are designed to be practical, informative, and empowering, helping more people across the region feel confident to step in when every second counts.”
Kate Lott, Head of Charity, said: “Reaching this milestone of over 10,000 people trained shows the incredible impact the EEAST Heart volunteers have made. Thanks to the generosity of our supporters, there are now thousands more potential life-savers in our communities.”
Get involved: • Book your free CPR and AED awareness course with EEAST Heart • Donate now to the East of England Ambulance Service Charity to help fund more life-saving community training
