Restart A Heart – learn lifesaving skills to make a difference in your community
NHS Ayrshire & Arran’s resus team have teamed up with The Killie Community to deliver training to as many people as possible throughout a 24-hour cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) marathon.
As part of the Restart a Heart (RSAH) awareness campaign, the 24-hour CPR marathon at Rugby Park in Kilmarnock, will begin on Sunday 15 October at 3pm and continue straight through until 3pm on Monday 16 October.
Ashley Ryan, Resuscitation Officer at NHS Ayrshire & Arran said, “We are excited to be working with The Killie Community Hub to bring these important life-saving skills to as many people as possible.
“The CPR marathon is open to everyone, of all ages and there will be opportunity to learn CPR and defibrillation skills. During the event there will be live music, a silent disco, refreshments and maybe even a chance to meet some of the players from Kilmarnock Football Club, as well as Captain Conker.”
Restart A Heart (RSAH) is a global initiative to increase the awareness of the importance of bystander CPR. A cardiac arrest is the ultimate medical emergency – where the heart suddenly stops beating. Early defibrillation within three to five minutes of collapse can increase survival rates by 50 to 70 per cent.
Ashely added, “With 80 per cent of cardiac arrests happening in the home, it is vital that as many people as possible learn this lifesaving skill. 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.”
Daryl Knapp, Programmes Manager at The Killie Community added, “It’s so important to us to use the power of football to improve lives.
“We are looking forward to welcoming people of all ages to learn such life-saving skills at Rugby Park, and we are thrilled to be doing so in partnership with NHS Ayrshire & Arran.
“This is a cause close to our hearts at The Killie Community. Following the passing of one of our supporters, we successfully fundraised to install a public access defibrillator outside Rugby Park, continuing our charity’s commitment to providing vital training opportunities for the local community.”
If you are interested in learning lifesaving skills come along on between 3pm on Sunday 15 October and 3pm on Monday 16 October.