Our Year 7 pupils demonstrated that they’re ‘all heart’, marking National Restart A Heart Day by learning life-saving CPR skills.

The Academy welcomed ambulance service paramedics into school on Monday 16 October to deliver practical sessions using CPR mannequins.

Around 200 pupils were trained in checking for signs of life, and performing mouth-to-mouth and chest compressions in the event of suspected cardiac arrest. A number of Tong staff who act as First Aiders were also trained.

Steve Curran, our Principal, said,

“At Tong Leadership Academy we have a number of STAR values which represent what we stand for. One of these is ‘service’, and helping our pupils to become responsible citizens that play a valuable role in their local communities is increasingly part of our curriculum. 

 

“We’re very grateful to the paramedics who came into school to train our Year 7 pupils in the essential skills to perform CPR in an emergency. With their help, we can support the aim of Restart A Heart Day to create a generation of future lifesavers.”

Restart a Heart Day is a Europe-wide initiative developed by the European Resuscitation Council. Launched in 2013, it aims to teach members of the public how to help restart the heart of someone who has suffered a cardiac arrest. On Restart A Heart Day each year mass training in CPR techniques takes place across Europe.

The Academy’s CPR training was delivered by first aid training company First On Scene.

Ryan Price from First On Scene commented,

“Over 30,000 people suffer cardiac arrests outside of hospital in the UK every year. If this happens in front of a bystander who starts CPR immediately and before the arrival of the ambulance, the victim’s chances of survival double or even triple.

 

“It was a pleasure to spend time training Tong Leadership Academy pupils on Restart A Heart Day. It demonstrates a real commitment on the school’s part to help their students become potential life-savers.”

Year 7 pupil Carly Godward commented,

“I really enjoyed the talk and getting to use the dummy. I have learnt how to save a life which is really good.”

Photo Caption: Year 7 pupil Carly Godward was among 200 Tong Leadership Academy pupils trained in life-saving CPR techniques on Restart A Heart Day.