Critical Friends Group learn life-saving skills

A group of volunteers, known as the Critical Friends Core Group, recently undertook heartstart training, which teaches life-saving CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) as well as the use of an Automated External Defibrillator (AED).

The Group was shown how to provide basic first aid to patients in a variety of situations, the difference between a cardiac arrest and a heart attack as well as the importance of DRSABC (Danger, Response, Shout, Airway, Breathing and CPR).

The group consists of members of the public who volunteer their time to provide public and patient experience on a variety of Trust services. They also help in lots of different ways; recruiting Foundation Trust members, attending events, being part of Local Involvement Networks (LINks) and feeding back from their respective communities.

Steven Nicholls, Paramedic and Community Resuscitation Development Officer for the North West Ambulance Service NHS Trust delivered the training using Resusci Annie, a training mannequin used for teaching cardiopulmonary resuscitation. The Group also learned how easy it is, regardless of size, to put a fully grown adult in the recovery position.

Vice Chairman, Derek Ormerod said: "Knowing what to do when faced with a life threatening emergency is an essential skill that everyone, young and old, should have an opportunity to learn. As a member of the Critical Friends Group it was good to be reminded that the North West Ambulance Service is a major provider of this vital training and to get hands on practice under expert supervision.

"Our group also supports the 'taster' sessions introducing the Heart Start programme
provided by NWAS at many community events in the North West including the 'Health Melas' in Preston, Bolton and Leyland. These popular occasions provide a great opportunity to spread awareness of life saving skills."