People across the South West are being invited to learn lifesaving CPR skills at a series of free events taking place this October.
South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust (SWASFT) is holding hands-on training sessions across the region as part of this year’s Restart a Heart initiative.
The annual campaign, led by Resuscitation Council UK, aims to raise awareness of cardiac arrest and give more people the confidence and skills needed to perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and use a defibrillator.
Events will take place between Wednesday 7 and Sunday 18 October, including a session at the Riviera International Centre in Torquay.
Paramedics, emergency care assistants, volunteer community first responders and members of SWASFT’s Volunteering and Community Services team will be on hand to demonstrate CPR and give visitors the opportunity to practise on manikins.
People will also be shown how to locate and use a defibrillator in an emergency.
Anyone completing a 15-minute CPR session will receive a certificate, although organisers say even spending a few minutes learning the techniques could make a difference in an emergency.
Why learning CPR matters
According to SWASFT, around 100,000 people in the UK suffer an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest each year – approximately 250 people every day – with fewer than one in ten surviving.
Immediate CPR and the use of a defibrillator can significantly improve someone’s chances of survival, with every minute without intervention reducing the chance of survival by around 10%.
Hannah Butler, Volunteering and Community Services Officer at SWASFT, said: “Every minute matters when someone suffers a cardiac arrest, and knowing what to do can make the difference between life and death. A simple act like starting CPR or using a defibrillator can more than double a person’s chances of survival.
“With 80% of cardiac arrests happening at home, it could be a friend or family member who urgently needs your help.
“Throughout Restart a Heart month, we want to give people across our communities the skills and confidence to step in during those critical moments. These events are a chance for anyone to learn how to save a life, and we’re looking forward to welcoming people of all ages to get involved.”
Devon Restart a Heart events
Wednesday 7 October
- Riviera Connect Expo – Riviera International Centre, Chestnut Avenue, Torquay, TQ2 5LZ – 9.30am to 5pm. This is a ticketed event, but tickets are free.
Wednesday 14 October
- Jubilee Hall – Chawleigh, Chulmleigh, Devon, EX18 7HH – 7pm to 9pm.
- Bradford and Cookbury Village Hall – Bradford, Holsworthy, EX22 7AB – 7pm to 9pm.
Thursday 15 October
- IKEA Exeter – 1 IKEA Way, Exeter, EX2 7RX – 10am to 4pm.
Saturday 17 October
- Meldon Village Hall – Meldon, Okehampton, Devon, EX20 4LU – 5pm to 7pm.
Events elsewhere in the South West
Cornwall
- Tuesday 13 October – Sainsbury’s, Eastern Green, Penzance, TR18 3AP – 10am to 3pm.
- Wednesday 14 October – Tesco, Wesley Street, Camborne, TR14 8DT – 9am to 7pm.
- Thursday 15 October – Boscastle Community & Recreation Centre, Fore Street, Boscastle, PL35 0AU – 2pm to 6pm.
- Friday 16 October – Falmouth Fire Station, Trescobeas Road, Falmouth, TR11 2LQ – 10am to 3pm.
- Saturday 17 October – Par Market, Stadium Retail Park, Par Moor Road, St Austell, PL25 3RP – 10am to 3pm.
Wiltshire
- Friday 16 October – Designer Outlet Centre, Kemble Drive, Swindon, SN2 2DY – 9am to 3pm. The finish time may be extended depending on attendance.
Dorset
- Friday 16 October – Sovereign Shopping Centre, 600 Christchurch Road, Boscombe, Bournemouth, BH1 4SX – 9am to 4.30pm.
Gloucestershire
- Sunday 18 October – Gloucester Quays, St Ann Way, Gloucester, GL1 5SH – 10am to 4pm.
Find out more
More information about the Restart a Heart events, including the latest event details and updates, is available on the South Western Ambulance Service website.
Community groups unable to attend one of the events can also find out about arranging CPR and defibrillator training in their own community.
SWASFT is also encouraging people to follow its social media channels for updates and join the conversation using #RestartAHeart.
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