This October, the critical care outreach and resuscitation team at Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust will support Restart a Heart Day on 16 October. This national initiative, led by Resuscitation Council UK, aims to raise awareness of cardiac arrest and equip more people with the confidence to perform CPR and use a defibrillator.
Members of the public, staff, patients, and visitors are invited to attend free drop-in events to learn essential lifesaving skills. These sessions will cover how to recognise a cardiac arrest, initiate CPR, and operate a defibrillator. Participants will have the opportunity to practice on training manikins in a relaxed and supportive setting.
The drop-in events are scheduled as follows:
- Wednesday 14 October - Charing Cross Hospital, first floor
- Thursday 15 October - Hammersmith Hospital, main reception
- Friday 16 October - St Mary's Hospital, main reception
“"Every minute counts when someone has a cardiac arrest. Learning CPR and how to use a defibrillator could help save the life of a loved one, colleague or stranger. We want everyone to feel confident taking action if the worst happens."
Approximately 40,000 out-of-hospital cardiac arrests occur annually in the UK. Learning CPR can significantly improve an individual's chance of survival while awaiting emergency services. The trust encourages attendance to foster more confident first responders within its hospitals and across north west London.
