Magpas Air Ambulance has teamed up with local lifesaving organisations to provide free CPR training to the people of Cambridgeshire and beyond this autumn.
A devoted Cambridge United fan, who received lifesaving treatment at a packed home match just weeks ago, has applauded the month-long initiative.
David Ince, 67, from Haverhill spoke out as organisations across Cambridgeshire come together to teach skills to the public as part of a campaign called ‘Restart a Heart’ that starts on Wednesday, 9th October and runs throughout this month.
David—a season ticket holder for 50 years—suffered a cardiac arrest during a game between Cambridge United and Rotherham United last Tuesday, 1st October, watched by 5,085 people.
Play was stopped while quick-thinking match steward and Addenbrooke’s hospital porter, Paul Harrison, administered CPR, quickly followed by treatment from East Anglian Air Ambulance and the East of England Ambulance Service.
David was whisked by land ambulance to Addenbrooke’s where he is undergoing care combined with specialist treatment at neighbouring Royal Papworth. He was delighted to get the chance to thank porter Paul in person and touched by a visit from United’s first team chaplain, Stuart Wood.
It was the second time David had received CPR, since he had a heart attack at Haverhill Football Club seven years ago.
David said, “I owe my life to CPR and those incredible people who are trained to deliver it in such a fast, calm, and professional way. I think the Restart a Heart campaign is an amazing initiative and greatly increases the chances of survival.”
David—who has since learned CPR himself—is lucky. More than 30,000 people have a cardiac arrest each year, with less than 10% surviving.
Leading Restart a Heart are Magpas Air Ambulance, Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, the East of England Ambulance Service Trust (EEAST), Royal Papworth Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, East Anglian Air Ambulance (EAAA) and Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service.
The sessions focus on chest compressions and the use of automated external defibrillators (AEDs), the management of choking, and the use of a technique called 'the lateral position'.
Cambridge University Hospitals (CUH) resuscitation officer, Sian Leader, said: “Survival rates from out-of-hospital cardiac arrests are currently less than 10%. Knowing what to do in the event of cardiac arrest is vital and it could help you save a life.
“With 80% of cardiac arrests happening in the home, it could be a loved one you save.”
Sara Almeida, resuscitation officer at Royal Papworth Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, said: “Every day we work with our land and air ambulance colleagues to care for patients who have had out-of-hospital cardiac arrests.
“Knowing and being confident with CPR allows you to begin the chain of survival, increasing someone’s chances of making it to hospital for treatment for the care they need.”
Nicola Cooper, Magpas air ambulance community training and engagement officer added: "I'm proud to be a part of this initiative, working with our East of England partners to train as many people as possible.
"Our training is easy to follow and remember and focuses on building people’s confidence so they have faith in themselves to use these valuable skills if they ever need to.
"At Magpas Air Ambulance we say ‘with you, we save lives’, and that couldn’t be any more fitting than this."
The sessions will be at:
• 5:30 pm, Wednesday 9th October, Cambridge Fire Station.
• 1 pm Thursday, 10th October, The Deakin Centre (next to car park one), Addenbrooke’s Hospital.
• 1 pm Tuesday, 15th October, The Deakin Centre (next to car park one), Addenbrooke’s Hospital.
• 8 am-7 pm Wednesday, 16th October, The Grand Arcade, Cambridge.
• 2:30 pm and 5:30 pm Thursday, 24th October, Cambridge Rugby Club.
• 10 am Tuesday, 29th October, The Deakin Centre (next to car park one), Addenbrooke’s Hospital.
• 2:30 pm and 5.30 pm, Friday, 1st November, Northstowe Interim Community Centre (The Cabin).
Training will focus on the adult patient with the option of staying behind if additional insight into paediatrics is required. It does not constitute mandatory training, so is not appropriate for those requiring certification for professional needs.
Book your free session on Eventbrite.
Magpas Air Ambulance also offers training sessions to schools, community groups and businesses. Get in touch with our training officer, Nicola Cooper, to find out more.
