Ambulance service offers free CPR training

A new training programme by West Midlands Ambulance Service is aimed at areas experiencing health inequalities

A new initiative offering free CPR and defibrillator training has been launched and is aimed at all communities across the West Midlands.

West Midlands Ambulance Service (WMAS) said the programme had a "particular focus on areas experiencing health inequalities".

A spokesperson added: "The campaign aims to give everyone the skills and confidence to save a life in an emergency, ensuring that no community is left behind."

The training is open to all residents, community groups and organisations, and will be delivered by the Trust's Community Response team.

Sessions will cover how to perform effective CPR, how to use a defibrillator and how to control severe bleeding until emergency help arrives.

The campaign was launched after NHS Charities Together awarded the initiative a £141,970 grant from its £1.85m Community Resilience Grants Fund, in partnership with Omaze.

WMAS community response manager Cliff Medlicott said: "The offer is open to any community group, volunteer group, school and business in the area covered by WMAS."

He added: "Every second counts when someone's heart stops or when there's severe bleeding.

"By giving more people in our communities the knowledge and confidence to act, we can dramatically improve someone's chance of survival."