CPR 'could be the most important lesson you ever learn’

My brother-in-law recently passed away after suffering a cardiac arrest. His loved ones knew what to do, but many people don't have this crucial knowledge. This personal tragedy has highlighted the importance of first aid education for everyone, especially our children.

First aid is a life-saving skill that can make the difference between life and death in emergency situations. Yet, it's not currently part of the mandatory curriculum in our schools. This needs to change.

According to the British Heart Foundation ,each year in the UK there are more than 30,000 out-of-hospital cardiac arrests. With early CPR and defibrillation shown to more than double the chances of surviving a cardiac arrest. But, less than one in ten people survive, often because those around them don't have the skills or confidence to perform CPR. Imagine how many more lives could be saved if every student received age-appropriate first aid training throughout their years in education?

By making first aid lessons mandatory in all educational settings at an age appropriate level, we can equip our children with vital skills they need to respond effectively during emergencies - potentially saving lives.

Let's turn this personal loss into a positive change for future generations. Please sign this petition and help us make first aid lessons mandatory in all educational settings! 

The British Heart Foundation commissioned YouGov to survey over 4,000 adults across the UK, which showed a third of people (33 per cent) have never learned CPR. Of those, almost half (47 per cent) said it was because they didn't know where to learn, while nearly a quarter (24 per cent) said they didn't have the confidence to learn.

Every minute that passes without CPR reduces the likelihood of survival by approximately 7-10%. By immediately initiating CPR, bystanders or trained individuals can help maintain vital blood flow and oxygenation until professional medical help arrives, significantly increasing the chances of the person's survival.

Every second counts 

The British Heart Foundation Chief Executive, Dr Charmaine Griffiths, said: “Every second counts when someone has a cardiac arrest, and knowing CPR could be the difference between life and death. A cardiac arrest can happen to anyone at any time - it could be your partner, your mum or dad or your child. 
 “Our survey shows that too many of us still haven’t learned CPR and wouldn’t have the confidence to step in if the worst should happen.