“Mummy, I’m a Lifesaver”: paramedics teach life-saving skills to children at London Zoo

Paramedics from London Ambulance Service taught children and families at London Zoo what to do if someone’s heart stops beating.

At a pop-up event at the world’s oldest scientific zoo, families were given a demonstration in how to perform chest compressions and use a defibrillator from the Service’s London Lifesavers team.

The London Lifesavers campaign, which is funded by the London Ambulance Charity, provides free training for communities, organisations and schools in the life-saving skills you need to help when someone goes into cardiac arrest. Cardiac arrest is a life-threatening emergency where a person’s heart stops pumping blood and oxygen around the body.

Matea, aged 9, her dad Keith and her younger brother Manolo pledged to help save a life by learning these simple skills and the key things to look out for –  danger, response, shout for help, airway, breathing, circulation and defibrillation (which makes the acronym DRs ABCD).

The family, originally from Sheffield but live in Malaga, Spain, were visiting London for a holiday.

Matea said: “I’m really proud to be a London Lifesaver. I’ve learnt about DRs ABCD and when I should call for help if I see anyone seriously hurt.

“I’ve found the training really good and I would encourage other children to take part.”

Mum Nadia added: “Matea and Manolo are incredibly proud to complete the training and they ran over to me and said ‘mummy, I’m a Lifesaver!’ They have carried on wearing their badges.

“It was a great opportunity for them!”

Sam Palfreyman-Jones, Head of Community Resuscitation and Training at London Ambulance Service, said: “We were delighted to be at London Zoo teaching those visiting the importance of CPR and the use of a defibrillator.

“Lots of families stopped to learn these vital skills from our team of experts, so while people might have just been expecting a day learning about wonderful animals, they came away with the knowledge of how to save a life. It was a real success, and I’m pleased to say we’ll be back there on Friday 15 and Friday 29 August – make sure you pay us a visit!

“The London Lifesavers campaign offers free training events across the capital and we encourage people to come along and learn these vital skills.

“76 percent of cardiac arrests happen at home and learning these skills will mean that you’re ready to save someone you love.

“It only takes a few minutes to learn but it could mean the difference between life and death.”

Daniel Simmonds, Operations Manager at London Zoo, added: “We’re thrilled to host such an important event at the zoo. At the Zoological Society of London, we aim to ignite a passion for animals, create unforgettable memories and protect the natural world through our conservation efforts.

“But through these London Ambulance Service events, we’re also equipping our visitors with a vital skill of a different kind that may one day save someone’s life.”

Come along to the next London Lifesavers pop-up sessions at London Zoo on Friday 15 August and Friday 29 August at 10am-3pm.

Londoners can also get involved by raising money for our Heart Starters campaign on our dedicated London Ambulance Charity website here or joining us for the next London Life Hike on 27 September to raise money for this vital cause.