West Midlands Ambulance Service says thousands of lives could be saved with news that all secondary school children are to be taught CPR and basic first aid skills

Each year, West Midlands Ambulance Service attends about 4,000 out of hospital cardiac arrests. Sadly, only about 7% of those people will survive.

The Government has announced that it is planning to make health education compulsory in all state-funded schools.  Under the proposed new guidance, by the end of secondary school pupils will be taught how to administer CPR, the purpose of defibrillators, and basic treatments for common injuries. WMAS Community Response Manager, Cliff Medlicott, said:

“There is no doubt that coming across a cardiac arrest is scary. It’s different to a heart attack - the patient will be unconscious and their heart won’t be beating. They are clinically dead, unless someone is prepared to do something.

“Giving CPR buys the patient time, so the ambulance service can get there. You can’t hurt the person; doing something can only help.

“For every minute without life-saving treatment the chance of surviving a cardiac arrest drops by about 10% – meaning that the time before an ambulance arrives is crucial

“Saving a life is the most incredible feeling; knowing that your actions mean someone will get to spend time with their loved ones when they wouldn’t otherwise have had that chance.

“A cardiac can strike anyone at any time: it could be a loved one, a friend, a complete stranger. If you know what to do, you could help save their life.”