Islanders urged to learn life-saving skill

Monday 11 October 2021

A number of opportunities this week to learn CPR have been kicked off by Guernsey FC and St John this morning.

St John Training Services and volunteers joined up with Ross Allen and Nic Legg from GFC to launch Restart a Heart week at the Liberation Monument.

Earlier this year, Ross and his Green Lions teammates underwent CPR training with St John during their pre-season. 

GFC requested further training shortly after the Euro 2020 tournament, when Danish footballer Christian Eriksen suffered a cardiac arrest during the match again Finland. Eriksen was given immediate CPR and was resuscitated on the pitch. 

“No-one wants to find themselves in that situation, but knowing what to do in an emergency can be life-saving,” said GFC Forward Ross Allen. 

“I would encourage everyone to learn how to recognise when someone is having a cardiac arrest and have the confidence to do chest compressions, which is why I think Restart A Heart week is such a good idea.”

Pictured: The Cardiac Action Group has organised a series of free community training sessions this week. People should call 07781 129539 to book a session. 

The training session was run by Heather Langlois from St John Training Services and GFC Director Nic Legg said it was invaluable.  

There is a defibrillator at Footes Lane, the club’s home ground, which was Guernsey’s first PAD when it wasunveiled by former Bolton Wanderers midfielder Fabrice Muamba back in 2013 after his own on-pitch collapse the previous year. 

“This training is an important extension of our preparednes,” said Mr Legg. 

“We all saw the importance of a fast response in this kind of situation, and if the worse did happen during a match, the players are the closest, so it’s great to feel they will know what to do in an emergency." 

Restart A Heart week is an annual initiative led by the Resuscitation Council UK, in partnership with the British Heart Foundation, British Red Cross, St John Ambulance and alliance of ambulance services.

In Guernsey, Restart A Heart week is supported by the Guernsey Cardiac Action Group, St John Emergency Ambulance Service and St John Ambulance volunteers.

Pictured : Phil Ozanne, Heather Langlois, Jim Cathcart, Ross Allen and Nic Legg.