Heartstart course trains its 3,000th life saver

More people who have life-threatening heart attacks could now survive, thanks to the success of an initiative to train people in resuscitation techniques and first aid.

There are now 3,000 people in South Norfolk able to apply cardio pulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and basic first aid, as a result of South Norfolk Council staff and volunteers working within the community over the last five years.

In 1993, around 150 people a year in South Norfolk died of heart attacks. Now the figure is around 60 a year.

At Wymondham Health Centre on June 1, the council celebrated its 3,000th trainee at a training session initiated by Voluntary Norfolk, which was also marking national volunteer week.

Janet Russell, the Volunteer Co-ordinator for Voluntary Norfolk helped to organise the course and attended herself. She said:

"This shows just what can achieved when we all work together to train people in life saving techniques. We are proud to have been involved in this milestone event for the British Heart Foundation Heartstart UK initiative, while at the same time, celebrating national recognition for the work of volunteers."

John Pritchard, from Hethersett, who is retired and a volunteer for the National Trust, joined the 14 people on the hour and a half course. He said he considers it a vital part of his training as a volunteer:

"This course alerts your mind to the importance of first aid when confronted with someone who suffers a heart attack.

"Our group was advised on the detection symptoms and received expert practical instruction on how to administer the appropriate first aid after having alerted those around you and of course the emergency services.

"Three cheers for voluntary co-ordinator Janet Russell for organising it with the council."

South Norfolk Councillor David Bills, Cabinet Member for Environment, Health and Leisure said:

"In South Norfolk around 60 people die as a result of heart attacks every year. In 1993, the number of deaths was around 150, so we have all made tremendous improvements in the last 16 years.

"But we are not complacent, and this Heartstart initiative is just one of many ways we are working with others to improve the health and well-being of our community.

"The most important factor determining survival after a heart attack is the time from heart attack to defibrillation. By using the CPR skills learnt through Heartstart the chances of survival are increased.

"This is a most worthwhile course and South Norfolk Council is 100% behind it. A big thanks to the 3,000 people who have already taken the course and here's to the next 3,000."

The council's volunteers have helped groups like the Women's Institute, the Scouts, Brownies, Young Farmers, those who have already suffered a heart attack and their families.

Sue Green, council health improvement manager, who organises the courses and trains volunteers said:

'Knowing what to do in an emergency can save lives and this free, short course will train people to do this'

The courses are offered by Heartstart UK, an initiative of the British Heart Foundation. The council has worked with the British Heart Foundation before.

In February, around St Valentine's Day, it organised challenges like wall climbing, five-a-side football, cycling and swimming to raise money for the charity and to improve the health and well-being of local people - one of the council's top priorities.

It was all part of a partnership with the Foundation's 'Go Red' heart campaign.

The council also works with health professionals to provide post heart attack or heart operation rehabilitation with courses at its leisure centre in Long Stratton.

Web links

• National Centre for Health Outcomes Development

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