MP learns life-saving skills

Macclesfield MP, David Rutley, recently met with the British Heart Foundation’s (BHF) Fundraising Manager for Cheshire, Leah Goodhind, to discuss the charity’s important work in and around Macclesfield and learn the lifesaving skill of cardio-pulmonary resuscitation (CPR).

David was given a lesson in the kind of practical and comprehensive cardiac skills training that the BHF is actively working to promote, though its ‘Nation of Lifesavers’ campaign. The campaign makes ‘Call-Push Rescue’ kits available to all eligible secondary schools, which includes instructional videos (which also feature information on defibrillator usage) and literature, as well as a physical training mannequin, to enable hands-on lifesaving demonstrations and practice. Local schools can apply for a kit via the BHF website: www.bhf.org.uk/how-you-can-help/how-to-save-a-life

Ms Goodwin explained to David that, currently, only one in ten people in the UK survive an out of hospital cardiac arrest, compared to Norway, where the rate is one in four people surviving. CPR is a part of the school curriculum in countries such as Norway, which is why the BHF is working to promote greater knowledge and awareness of the important lifesaving skill of CPR in UK schools.

Additionally, David was pleased to learn that the BHF continues to support the Macclesfield and District Cardiac Support Group, which runs regular bi-weekly exercise sessions, which also frequently feature talks on subjects around cardiac health. In previous meetings, the Group has also heard more about defibrillator usage and CPR demonstrations by ambulance personnel or Cardiac Nurses. The Group meets at the Institute Hall at All Saints Church, on Brough Street West in Macclesfield, and there are more details at: www.bhf.org.uk/what-we-do/find-bhf-near-you/macclesfield-and-district-cardiac-support-group

The BHF is looking for more volunteers in and around East Cheshire, to help raise awareness of its important aims and to support important fundraising initiatives and groups in the future. Any local residents interested in getting involved with the work of the BHF in communities in and around Macclesfield and Cheshire East can contact Ms Goodhind directly by telephone on 07500057015, or by email at goodhindl@bhf.org.uk

Speaking after his meeting, David said, “The vital work of the British Heart Foundation touches the lives of so many residents in our area, and it is positive to learn more about the extensive work that it undertakes to bring important and life-saving CPR skills to a wider audience, and particularly younger people. I hope many more local schools will get in touch with the BHF, to find out more about these opportunities.”