Over a third of UK adults still haven't learned CPR
Published:
15 October 2021
Published:
15 October 2021
We’re joining other healthcare organisations and ambulance services in urging people to learn CPR for Restart a Heart Day in light of worrying research that shows that over a third (38%) of UK adults have never undertaken any form of CPR training.
This is despite a new survey, carried out by YouGov, showing that 82% of UK adults were aware that Christian Eriksen experienced a cardiac arrest at the Euros this year. With CPR training rates remaining stubbornly low, we’re joining Resuscitation Council UK, St John Ambulance, British Red Cross and all UK ambulance services in asking everyone to take inspiration from the prompt action that saved Eriksen’s life, and learn how to perform CPR.
The annual event, which is in its eighth year, aims to train people in how to perform CPR, so they feel confident to act in an emergency.
For every minute that a person in cardiac arrest doesn’t receive CPR and defibrillation, their chance of survival drops by up to 10 per cent - so acting in an emergency is crucial. With most cardiac arrests happening at home, knowing CPR and being confident to act could save a loved one’s life.
Dr Charmaine Griffiths, Chief Executive of the British Heart Foundation, said: “CPR is a lifesaving skill which is quick and simple to learn, and you never know when you’ll need to use it or on who. Each year there are over 30,000 out of hospital cardiac arrests, but tragically the survival rate is currently less than one in 10 in the UK. This year millions of us saw how vitally important it is to know CPR when Christian Eriksen collapsed at the Euros - swift action in giving him CPR and using a defibrillator ultimately helped save his life. But not everybody is as fortunate, and that’s why we’re urging everyone to learn CPR to help improve survival rates and save lives.”
Professor Andrew Lockey, consultant in emergency medicine and co-lead for World Restart a Heart , Resuscitation Council UK said: “Learning CPR has never been more important. When Christian Eriksen survived a sudden cardiac arrest at the Euros, he did so because those around him had the essential CPR skills that could save his life, and the confidence to act quickly when they realised what had happened to him. These are simple skills that everyone can do if they take the time to learn them.
“Learn or refresh your skills today by attending a training event, watching our short animation on how to do CPR in the pandemic, or playing our digital training game, Lifesaver.”