We should all familiarise ourselves with CPR

The truth is that many of us would not know what to do if we found ourselves being called upon to help in an emergency where time is of the essence.

So we applaud Portsmouth Hospitals NHS Trust, which organised a session in CPR in the main entrance of the Queen Alexandra Hospital in Cosham.

The focus was very much on the younger generation being encouraged to practice chest compressions on dummies in the hope that they will remember what to do if they ever find themselves needing to resuscitate someone in real life.

Both visitors and patients at the hospital had a go as part of the national Restart A Heart Day and we certainly agree with Emma Heaysman, one of the team teaching CPR to the youngsters, when she says: ‘It is so important that children learn basic resuscitation. If we can get children involved, then hopefully they will be able to help someone in the future.’

Increasing awareness and knowledge of CPR is vital for all of us, because who knows when what we can do for somebody may be the difference between life and death?

But it’s not just CPR that we should all familiarise ourselves with. Basic first aid is so important, which is why we have teamed up with St John Ambulance to bring you first aid tips in our Family Life supplement every Tuesday.

The St John Ambulance app is also available free on smartphones and the website sja.org.uk offers demo videos and free advice.

For information about first aid courses, please call 0303 003 0101. It could literally be a life-saving decison.