Zoo visitors invited to learn lifesaving CPR skills on Restart a Heart Day

Date: 13 October 2026

Visitors to Colchester Zoological Society (CZS) will have the opportunity to learn vital lifesaving skills this Restart a Heart Day as the East of England Ambulance Service (EEAST) Charity teams up for a special public CPR awareness event.

A member of the public performs CPR on a training manikin while a Community First Responder observes and provides guidance during a lifesaving skills demonstration

On Friday 16 October 2026, paramedics and volunteers from the East of England Ambulance Service will be at Colchester Zoological Society between 10am and 4pm, offering free demonstrations and hands-on CPR training to visitors.

Every year, around 40,000 people experience an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest in the UK, yet fewer than one in ten survive. Early recognition, immediate CPR and access to a defibrillator can more than double a person's chance of survival, meaning bystanders play a crucial role in the moments before emergency services arrive.

While cardiac arrests can occur anywhere, around 80% happen in the home, often leaving a loved one, friend or neighbour as the first person able to help.

The event forms part of Restart a Heart Month, a national campaign designed to give more people the confidence and skills to take action during a cardiac arrest emergency.

Visitors will be able to meet ambulance staff, learn how to recognise a cardiac arrest, practise chest compressions and find out how to use a public access defibrillator.

Colchester Zoological Society, one of the region's leading wildlife attractions, is home to more than 150 species and welcomes hundreds of thousands of visitors each year. Set within 60 acres of parkland, lakes and landscaped habitats, the zoo plays an important role in conservation, education and community engagement.

Claire Crawford, Locality Clinical Manager for north east Essex at EEAST, said: "A cardiac arrest can happen to anyone, anywhere and without warning. The actions taken in the first few minutes can make a huge difference to someone's chance of survival.

"Many people worry about doing the wrong thing, but learning CPR is straightforward and anyone can make a difference. Having the confidence to step forward and act could help save the life of a loved one, friend or even a stranger.

"We're delighted to be partnering with Colchester Zoological Society for Restart a Heart Day and would encourage visitors to come along, have a fantastic day at the zoo and take a few minutes to learn these vital skills.

"The more people in our communities who know CPR and how to use a defibrillator, the more lives we can help save."

Luke Wilkinson, Visitor Services Director at CZS, said:

“We’re delighted to welcome paramedics and volunteers from the East of England Ambulance Service to CZS for their Restart a Heart Day, as part of their fantastic life-saving campaign. We’re proud to support this important initiative and hope visitors will enjoy a fantastic day at CZS while discovering how they could help save a life.”

For more information about cardiac arrest, learning CPR and defibrillators, go to our Sudden Cardiac Arrest section.