Islanders of all ages take part in free CPR demonstrations

Ambulance & Rescue Guernsey and the leisure centre’s lifeguards offered free demonstrations as part of Restart a Heart Day. Set up in the leisure centre’s foyer, organisers were on hand to show anyone interested the process of CPR on six mannequins laid out across the floor, as well as how to use an AED.

Ambulance head of resilience and education John Atkins said people of all ages had been keen to have a go.

‘Our youngest person was two, while the oldest was in their eighties.’

Many of those had been passing through on their way to a sport or activity at Beau Sejour, but Mr Atkins said that there were many who had come specifically to learn about saving a life.

‘One lady in her eighties told me she had come because her husband had recently got ill and she wanted to know what to do in case he took a turn for the worse and she needed to perform CPR,’ he said. ‘For me, that’s what it’s all about.’

He added that he had been impressed at the skills and knowledge many people already had.

‘Overall it’s been really positive, it’s just about giving people that confidence which means they aren’t precluded from saving someone.

‘Simple skills save lives.’

Lifeguards Ben Major and Tyler Cherry said they undertook lifesaving training every month as part of their jobs, with CPR and AEDs included in every session.

Mr Major said he was confident he would be able to apply his skills should the situation arise.

‘Having the training so regularly ensures we are always upholding high standards,’ he said.

Among those trying out the equipment was 17-year-old Le Murier student Fabian Ollivier.

He said that he had practised CPR before, but was glad to be shown what to do again.

‘The most important thing I think is to not panic if you find yourself in a situation where you need to use it,’ he said.

‘Take a deep breath and just be careful with what you’re doing.’