22 October 2024

The Isle of Wight Ambulance Service provided 670 people with lifesaving skills this year on World Restart a Heart Day (RSHD).

Staff and pupils from over 20 schools across the Island were welcomed into seven different fire stations for the event, thanks to Hampshire & Isle of Wight Fire & Rescue Service.

The IW NHS Trust Ambulance Tutors and Volunteer Community First Responders (CFR’s) taught pupils and staff how to recognise cardiac arrest, phone for an ambulance, perform Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) and safe defibrillation.

Victoria White, Director of IW Ambulance Service said: “Learning how to perform CPR when someone’s heart stops beating, or they stop breathing, improves their chance of survival, and aids recovery from a cardiac arrest.

“In an emergency every second counts so it was wonderful to see the school children on our island having the opportunity to learn this life skill. I would like to thank our dedicated tutors and volunteer community responders and our local Fire and Rescue colleagues for supporting these incredible sessions.”