THE Isle of Wight’s fire stations and St Mary’s Hospital opened their doors today, on a mission to teach 1,000 people how to save a life.

This year’s World Restart a Heart Day has been supported by cardiac arrest survivor, Laura Summers.

In June, Sandown Bay Academy staff member Laura collapsed after suffering a cardiac arrest. If not for the quick reaction of her colleagues, access to a nearby defibrillator and a speedy response from the Isle of Wight Ambulance Service, Laura would not have survived.

Head of Ambulance Training and Community Response Services (ATCoRS), Louise Walker, said: “When you meet Laura, and have someone in front of you saying they wouldn’t be here without CPR and a defibrillator, it really hits home.”

Pupils from schools across the Island have joined fire crews to learn how to give CPR. Members of the public were also able to attend training sessions.

St Mary’s Hospital has today (Tuesday) offered free sessions to members of the public throughout the day.

Without any medical intervention, chances of surviving a cardiac arrest are between five and seven per cent. With the correct use of a defibrillator, it can rise to 74 per cent.

Last year, Louise and a team of four taught 420 people CPR. Now, with a team of 13, they are hoping to teach more than 1,000 Islanders this lifesaving skill.

To find out more about World Restart a Heart Day, visit: THE Isle of Wight’s fire stations and St Mary’s Hospital opened their doors today, on a mission to teach 1,000 people how to save a life.

This year’s World Restart a Heart Day has been supported by cardiac arrest survivor, Laura Summers.

In June, Sandown Bay Academy staff member Laura collapsed after suffering a cardiac arrest. If not for the quick reaction of her colleagues, access to a nearby defibrillator and a speedy response from the Isle of Wight Ambulance Service, Laura would not have survived.

Head of Ambulance Training and Community Response Services (ATCoRS), Louise Walker, said: “When you meet Laura, and have someone in front of you saying they wouldn’t be here without CPR and a defibrillator, it really hits home.”

Pupils from schools across the Island have joined fire crews to learn how to give CPR. Members of the public were also able to attend training sessions.

St Mary’s Hospital has today (Tuesday) offered free sessions to members of the public throughout the day.

Without any medical intervention, chances of surviving a cardiac arrest are between five and seven per cent. With the correct use of a defibrillator, it can rise to 74 per cent.

Last year, Louise and a team of four taught 420 people CPR. Now, with a team of 13, they are hoping to teach more than 1,000 Islanders this lifesaving skill.

To find out more about World Restart a Heart Day, visit: https://www.isleofwightambulance.co.uk/blog