Press release
Free CPR training: public urged to “give five to save a life”
Published on 12 October 2023
People across Dundee are being urged to give five minutes of their time next week to learn a potentially lifesaving skill.
Staff and students from the University of Dundee’s School of Health Sciences and School of Medicine are hosting free CPR training to members of the public as part of Restart a Heart Day.
On Monday 16 October, trained coaches will be at both the University’s Dalhousie Building and Institute of Sport and Exercise to host informal training in the procedure.
“The ability to save a life is one of the most valuable skills a person can learn,” said Dr Kevin Stirling, form Dundee’s School of Health Sciences.
“Performing high-quality chest compressions while awaiting professional medical assistance increases a casualty’s rate of survival dramatically. We never know when such a medical emergency may occur, and that is why empowering people with the knowledge to perform CPR is so crucial. In just five minutes we can teach a member of the public a skill that has the potential to save the life of a loved one, or even a complete stranger.”
More than 3,000 people across Scotland are treated by ambulance personnel following a cardiac arrest every year. However, given the urgent need for CPR in the aftermath of such a medical event, only around 1 in 10 people survive. Starting CPR can double this chance of survival, a skill that almost anybody can learn.
The University is hosting sessions throughout the day, utilising the same equipment used to train healthcare students at its campuses in both Dundee and Kirkcaldy.
Kevin added, “After just a few moments of their time, we hope that people leave feeling empowered to step in and assist should they ever witness someone experiencing cardiac arrest. Not only will they learn CPR, but they can also ask questions about using defibrillators, which have been increasingly common in public places and are a vital asset in saving lives.
“There can surely be no better use of five minutes than to learn to save a life.”
The sessions take place on Monday 16 October in the University’s Dalhousie Building, Old Hawkhill, and Institute of Sport and Exercise, Old Hawkhill, from 10am – 4pm.