WATCH: Learning how to 'restart a heart'

Thursday 17 October 2019

Free training sessions have been given in using the automatic external defibrillators placed around the island, and in giving CPR, as part of 'restart a heart' week.

Led by the Cardiac Action Group, the sessions have been given by representatives of the charity and staff from St John Ambulance service.

Yesterday, a paramedic and trainee emergency technician were based in the town Market Buildings to give free sessions to members of the public.

Minoosh and Brad talked passers-by through how to give Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) and how to use the Automated External Defibrillator (AED) packs which are now in many easily accessible places across Guernsey.

Above: Brad leading a training session in how to give CPR.

Above: Brad showing a volunteer how to use an AED.

Speaking ahead of 'restart the heart' week, Mike Froome, Cardiac Action Group Community Resuscitation Development Officer, said it was vitally important people know how to use the publicly accessible AEDs.

“Currently, European statistics show only one in 10 people will survive an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest,” he said.

Pictured: Mike Froome (left) and Mark Mapp, Guernsey's Chief Officer of St John Ambulance. 

There are a number of AEDs around the island, including within and outside some businesses and public places and there are plans for more including one on Lihou island.