Don’t be shy... it’s vital
HEART CHARITY IN DRIVE TO TEACH MORE PEOPLE
ONLY 43% of Scots would feel confident about giving life-saving CPR to a stranger, new research has found.
Almost half of people polled said they would be reluctant to try to help someone suffering a cardiac arrest for fear of causing more harm than good with 39% saying they lack the skills and knowledge.
However, 60% said they would give it a go and attempt chest compressions.
The British Heart Foundation, which published the study, said efforts were needed to ensure that 10 out of 10 people would perform CPR, which stands for cardiopulmonary resuscitation, if required.
According to the charity, if survival rates matched those reported in Norway, where CPR is taught more widely, as many as 5,000 lives could be saved.
There are more than 30,000 out of hospital cardiac arrests every year in the UK and up to 40 a month in Glasgow.
Every minute without CPR or defi- brillation can reduce a person’s chance of surviving a cardiac arrest by around ten per cent.
Suffering a cardiac arrest, outside of hospital, is the commonest lifethreatening medical emergency.
Of the 3,500 people living in Scotland who have resuscitation attempt- ed each year, only about 1 in 20 survives.
The figures were revealed on European Restart a Heart Day, an annual day which aims to encourage more people to learn CPR.
James Cant, Director of BHF Scotland, said: “CPR may be the difference between life and death for hundreds of people every year who suffer a cardiac arrest.
“Every second counts, and it simply isn’t enough to hope that someone who knows CPR is present.
“Our survey says that six in 10 Scots would give CPR a go. We need to ensure that 10 out of 10 people would perform CPR.
“We need everyone in Scotland to learn this life-saving skill so they have the confidence to step in and give CPR when someone collapses after a cardiac arrest.”
The Evening Times revealed last week how a new pilot scheme which aims to save more people who suffer a cardiac arrest is showing promising results.
The 3RU pilot involves a dedicated team of four paramedics circling the city and prioritising patients whose hearts have stopped.
Vehicles are equipped with autopulse vests which perform automatic chest compressions while the patient is being taken to hospital.
Project leaders say it is expected to emulate results seen in Edinburgh where it doubled the number of lives saved.
Meanwhile, hundreds of people will be taught CPR today at community events across Scotland and students at Glasgow Caledonian University were among those taking part.
The BHF is working with the government and a number of other agencies on the Save a Life for Scotland Campaign, which aims to equip an extra 500,000 people with CPR.
That charity encourages people to use compression only CPR if they are not trained or uncomfortable about giving the ‘gold standard’ of two breaths/30 compressions.
The BHF is also encouraging schools across the country to apply for a free CPR training kit. For more details go to bhf.org.uk/cpr