The Press and Journal (Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire)
Survivor teaches skills
CPR: Training event highlights the importance of learning how to save a life
An ambulance technician who owes his life to quick-thinking colleagues performing CPR passed on the skill to Aberdeen residents yesterday.
Greg Rettie was pushing a trolley into a hospital when he suffered a heart attack and believes he may have died had it not been for his colleagues who performed CPR for more than four minutes until a defibrillator arrived.
Mr Rettie joined others at the Union Square shopping centre to make sure people know what to do if faced with a similar situation.
He said: “The survival rate from a cardiac arrest in Scotland is so low as it is.
“That makes it essential that we teach members of the public these life-saving skills, to help as many people as possible.”
Mum-of-three, Emily Broome, who brought her children to take part in the sessions, said: “The event has shown me how important it is for my kids to learn CPR.”
Marking the start of national Restart a Heart Day, police officers and firefighters were on hand to educate the public.
Aberdeen city station manager, Andy Buchan, said: “Every minute that passes when someone goes into cardiac arrest means that their survival rate drops by 10%.
“It’s been great to see people of all ages take an interest, and to be able to provide them with the skills that could potentially save a life.”
The British Heart Foundation, the Sandpiper Trust and the British Red Cross were also present.
Keith Millar, a volunteer for the Sandpiper Trust, said: “Members of the public are usually the first people on the scene for a cardiac arrest – making it vital that as many people as possible have this training.”