How to save a life - learn how to do CPR at free session in Bassetlaw
A free session in which you can learn how to act promptly and potentially save someone’s life, takes place this evening and is open to everyone.
‘Learn to save a life’ run by Retford Lions, explains how to do CPR and how to access and use a defibrillator.
One of the people running the session is retired teacher Graham Venables, secretary of the Lions, who suffered cardiac arrest himself and was saved by CPR being used.
He said: “I suffered a cardiac arrest four years ago while at my son’s house. Fortunately my son knew what to do and was able to keep me going until the paramedics arrived.
"I was very fortunate that it worked for me – sometimes it doesn’t but what we help people to understand at training sessions is that by trying to give CPR or use a defibrillator, you can only help, you can’t do any harm.
"People often worry they might do something wrong, but they won’t. It is always worth trying to help someone with CPR.”
The Lions have helped train people in these vital skills for some years, passing on their knowledge to around 2,000 people in that time.
They also visit primary schools locally to teach year six pupils the skills, in line with their curriculum studies in biology.
Tonight’s open session, September 21, takes place in Blyth Memorial Hall at 7.30pm.
It is completely free and takes less than 90 minutes.
Cardiac arrest can happen any time to a loved one, a neighbour or a stranger, and it’s a great benefit to know what to do before an ambulance arrives, added Mr Venables.