Community classes for Restart a Heart Week

That is why the Emergency Ambulance Service, St John volunteers and the Cardiac Action Group are working together to show people how to get hands-on with CPR during an entire week of community classes next week.

Restart a Heart Week takes place from Monday to Saturday next week and the programme will feature free CPR and AED demonstrations at venues around Guernsey throughout the week.

There is also a public drop-in demonstration taking place in Town Church Square on 17 October between 11am and 3pm at which members of the public can get hands-on experience.

‘When someone has a cardiac arrest, the bystander’s involvement can be crucial in saving a life and the quality of that person’s life. Immediate hands-only CPR and use of an AED, while you are waiting for the ambulance to arrive, can give the patient the best chance of life, which is why Restart A Heart Week is so important. We are delighted to be working with different community groups and local football clubs to get as many people as possible trained,’ said Mike Froome, event organiser and community resuscitation development officer.

St John Ambulance said anyone can be affected a cardiac arrest at any time, which is why the volunteers are teaming up with the Cardiac Action Group to give islanders the opportunity to learn life-saving skills during 2021 Restart a Heart Week.

‘Knowing what to do when someone collapses and stops breathing can make the difference between a life lost and a life saved, which is why CPR is so important.

‘There have been a number of cases in Guernsey in recent years where people have recognised someone is having a cardiac arrest and have done early CPR, while someone else is calling 999 for an ambulance,’ said Mr Mapp.

n For more information or to book a place at one of these events call 07781 129539 or email info@cag.org.gg.