WEST MIDLANDS Ambulance Service is calling for everyone in the region to learn CPR skills, so they know what to do if someone collapses and stops breathing.
By learning how to do CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) or refreshing skills a person could save the life of someone in cardiac arrest, which can happen to anyone, anywhere at any time.
That’s why West Midlands Ambulance Service (WMAS) has joined forces with the Resuscitation Council UK (RCUK) to encourage everybody to brush up on this lifesaving skill.
Ambulance crews start, or continue, resuscitation in approximately 30,000 cases a year but acting quickly is vital.
According to the ambulance service a person’s chances of survival decrease by up to 10 per cent for every minute without CPR or access to a defibrillator – that means it is absolutely vital that the person receives rapid action by people at the scene, whether they are a loved one, friend or complete stranger.
WMAS chief executive Anthony Marsh, said: “When our staff arrive at the scene of a cardiac arrest, there is nothing that can help them more than if bystanders have already started CPR, as this undoubtedly gives the patient the best chance of survival.
“Ambulance staff receive incredible levels of praise from the public for saving lives, but you have the ability to do it too. Imagine how it feel to know you had played a part in saving someone’s life. Imagine how it would feel if you had been in that position but not known what to do to help.
“I urge everyone to learn how to do CPR as soon as possible, you never know when you might be required to try and save someone’s life.”
With people now getting into closer proximity to family, friends, colleagues, and strangers due to the easing of lockdown restrictions, it is increasingly important everyone has the skills to save a life and knows how to keep themselves safe.
Sue Hampshire, director of clinical and service development at RCUK, said: “We want everybody to feel able to do something, to act quickly and not to hesitate or worry about causing harm to the person they are trying to help.
“No greater harm can occur than failing to act when someone requires CPR and defibrillation.
“We understand people may feel nervous about doing CPR because of Covid-19, and that’s why we currently advise that you do chest compression only CPR and don’t put your face near the person who has collapsed when checking for breathing.”
For more or to learn about CPR visit www.resus.org.uk/watch
