More than 200 people are now better prepared to save a life after learning chest compressions and how to use a defibrillator at a special London Ambulance Service Open Day held at the iconic London Eye last Friday (21 August).
The event gave members of the public the chance to gain life-saving skills from clinicians at the country’s busiest Service’s to become a ‘London Lifesaver’
Visitors rolled up their sleeves to learn how to perform CPR and use a defibrillator – skills that can dramatically improve a person’s chance of surviving a cardiac arrest.
They also met specialist paramedics from the Hazardous Area Response Team, who rescue and treat patients in dangerous situations including rivers and high-rise locations, as well as the Cycle Response Unit, whose crews can quickly reach patients through congested city streets.
Julie Whitehead, Emergency Medical Technician and Associate Community Resuscitation Trainer who helped organise the event, said:
“It was fantastic to see so many people eager to learn skills that could one day help them save a life. Every person we trained is now more confident to step forward in an emergency and help someone when every second counts.
“Knowing how to perform CPR and use a defibrillator can make the difference between life and death. In many cases, the person needing help is a family member, friend or loved one, which is why we want as many people as possible to feel confident stepping in before the ambulance arrives.
“We’re also working to ensure more defibrillators are available in communities where access is limited, helping more people get the treatment they need quickly.”
Alongside the hands-on training, visitors explored the history of the capital’s ambulance service through displays from the London Ambulance Service Historic Collection, featuring historic ambulances, uniform and medical equipment.
London Ambulance Service is aiming to make London a city of lifesavers, through organising life-saving CPR and defibrillator training for communities, organisations and schools. Sign up to become a Lifesaver on our website here.
London Ambulance Charity is also calling on Londoners to register for its fundraising walk – the London Life Hike – that aims to raise money for life-saving devices for the communities in London that need them most.
Join the London Life Hike on Saturday 26 September. Sign up here or turn up on the day at Southwark Park Bandstand.