‘Most would be reluctant to perform CPR on someone’

STATISTICS have revealed 81% of people in Wales would be reluctant to perform CPR on someone having a cardiac arrest.

The survey conducted by the British Heart Foundation also found that only 46% of people would feel confident giving CPR to a stranger and just 17% said they would be able to identify two signs of cardiac arrest.

By contrast, 75% of people said they would offer a stranger a seat on a bus.

The main reasons for not stepping in were fear of causing more harm than good – 44% – and lacking the skills and knowledge to perform CPR – 35%.

The statistics come on Restart a Heart Day run by the British Heart Foundation (BHF) warning people that a lack of knowledge of CPR could cost lives. Every minute without CPR can reduce a person’s chance of surviving by around 10%.

Adam Fletcher, head of British Heart Foundation Cymru, said:“CPR may be the difference between life and death for hundreds of people every year in Wales who suffer a cardiac arrest. Every second counts, and it simply isn’t enough to hope that someone who knows CPR is present.

“Restart a Heart Day is an annual day to increase awareness of the importance of CPR. We need everyone in Wales to learn this life-saving skill to give them the confidence to step in and give CPR when someone collapses after a cardiac arrest.

“That’s why we are urging secondary schools across the UK to apply for our free training kits and help create a Nation of Lifesavers.”