MEMBERS of the public can learn lifesaving CPR at a special event in Poole next week.

The South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust (SWASFT) is inviting people to learn the skill at a free community event, part of Restart a Heart Day.

It will take place at The Dolphin Shopping Centre on Wednesday (October 16) between 9am and 4pm.

The national day aims to raise awareness about cardiac arrest and helps people to learn CPR, giving them lifesaving skills and the confidence to use them.

Members of team SWASFT, including paramedics, emergency care assistants, volunteer community first responders and representatives of the Volunteering & Community Services Department, will be on hand to answer questions and share their extensive knowledge.

There will also be in-depth CPR demonstrations for members of the public to join and take part in.

Certificates will be given to everyone who completes the 15-minute CPR sessions. However, any time spent learning about CPR and defibrillation with the team will help towards increasing survival rates for out of hospital cardiac arrest in the south west.

David Sale, volunteering and community service officer at SWASFT, said: “We are excited to be hosting Restart a Heart Day in Poole for the third year running, this is a fantastic opportunity for the people of Poole to come and learn vital lifesaving skills like CPR.

“We want people in our community to know what to do if someone suffers a premature cardiac arrest, and know how to perform CPR correctly, the sooner CPR is started the greater chance someone has of survival. By hosting events like these on Restart a Heart Day we hope to educate and spread awareness of the importance of CPR.

“People of all ages and abilities are welcome and will be encouraged to take part in all the fun, interactive activities on offer. With a big thanks to Dolphin Shopping Centre for hosting this event.”

If you’re unable to attend, you can visit swast.nhs.uk/saving-lives-together to learn how to deliver CPR and where your nearest defibrillator is.