Lifesaving skills taught at New Cross Fire Station
New Cross Fire Station is hosting a ‘Restart A Heart’ (RSAH) training day on Saturday, 5th October, to learn lifesaving skills. It is calling on people from the local area to book a session. The initiative is taking place to teach Londoners across Lewisham, New Cross, and Southwark areas how to access and use a defibrillator.
Defibrillators are a lifesaving device used in medical emergencies when someone goes into a cardiac arrest and the heart suddenly stops beating. Early defibrillation within three to five minutes of collapse can increase survival rates by up to 50-70%.
Data reveals people aren’t confident about using one. 61% of people aren’t confident enough to use a defibrillator, and research shows that access to one is lacking in the most deprived areas, which are tragically among the communities at greatest risk of a cardiac arrest.
The fire station hopes to increase the number of people trained in CPR and defibrillation awareness.
“With 80% of cardiac arrests happening in the home, it is vital that as many people as possible learn this lifesaving skill,” Sub Officer Michael Edwards, who is organising the event, said. “It may be a loved one who suffers a cardiac arrest – and it’s crucial to begin CPR and defibrillation as soon as possible to help their chances of survival.
“Publicly available defibrillators are straight forward to use, it will provide clear instructions and talk you through what you need to do.
“Defibrillators are disproportionately placed in affluent areas; we need to ensure they’re located in more locations. Anyone looking after a defibrillator (defib) – such as those in charge of pubs, sports clubs, community centres, churches, village halls – should make it accessible to the public 24/7.
Book a 30 minute session between 10.30am and 3pm on Saturday, 5th October, 2024 at New Cross Fire Station, London SE14 5JN, by clicking here.
