Imagine someone collapsing in front of you, not breathing, their heart stopped. It’s a terrifying moment, but it’s one that plays out thousands of times every year across the UK. More than 30,000 people suffer an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest annually, and in most cases, survival depends entirely on the people nearby. The faster someone starts CPR, the better the chance of keeping that person alive until professional help arrives.
CPR, or cardiopulmonary resuscitation, is the act of manually keeping blood and oxygen flowing through the body when the heart has stopped. It involves pressing firmly and rhythmically on the chest to mimic the heart’s pumping action. While the idea of performing CPR might seem intimidating, the reality is that it’s a straightforward, learnable skill that anyone can do and it saves lives.
One of the biggest reasons more people don’t step in during a cardiac arrest is hesitation. They worry they might do something wrong, or they’re simply unsure of what to do. But doing something is always better than doing nothing. A person whose heart has stopped is already in a life-threatening situation. Your actions could mean the difference between life and death.
There’s also a persistent myth that only trained professionals can perform CPR correctly. In truth, anyone can learn it, and most basic training courses in the UK are designed to be accessible and easy to follow.
It’s also worth clearing up another misconception, that CPR is always about dramatic, complicated procedures. In most real-world scenarios, it simply involves pressing hard and fast on the centre of the chest. Even if it feels awkward or imperfect, your efforts are critical. The moments between a cardiac arrest and the arrival of emergency services are crucial. Starting CPR immediately can double or even triple someone’s chances of survival.
In the workplace, CPR training is becoming an essential part of health and safety. Offices, warehouses, retail environments, anywhere people gather can benefit from having trained staff who know how to respond in an emergency. But the benefits don’t end there. Learning CPR empowers people to act confidently in any setting, whether it’s at home with family, out shopping, or walking through a park. It’s a skill that turns an ordinary person into a potential lifesaver.
At Gain First Aid Training], we believe CPR is too important to be optional. That’s why we offer practical, engaging CPR and first aid training courses. Our goal is simple: to give you the tools and confidence to step in when someone needs help the most.
If you’re ready to learn CPR or want to organise training for your workplace or community, we’re here to help. Contact us today and take the first step towards becoming CPR confident.