'You can save lives', cardiac arrest survivor says

Rick Denton was resuscitated by bystander's after suffering a heart attack in 2019

A cardiac arrest survivor is urging more people in Guernsey to get trained in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).

Rick Denton was resuscitated by bystanders after suffering a heart attack at a café in 2019, and said more people should learn how to perform the life-saving first aid in case of an emergency.

The Guernsey Cardiac Action Group is providing free training in CPR and how to use an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) at centres cross the island.

Mike Froome, a community resuscitation development officer, said a bystander's involvement in saving a life could be "crucial".

Mr Denton said the people who saved him gave him a second chance at life.

He said: "Thanks to them I was brought back to life within two minutes, which is a phenomenal success - less than 10% of people survive a cardiac arrest, and that's because people are not trained or there is not the equipment there to save them.

"If you can have enough trained people so that bystanders are willing to get involved to use the defibrillator in a highly stressful circumstance, then you can save lives."

Mr Froome said knowing "immediate hands only CPR and the use of an AED while you are waiting for the ambulance to arrive can give the patient the best chance of life".

Hour long sessions will be held at the St Martin's community centre, St. Sampson Douzaine, Capelles Church and Community Centre, and the Styx community centre.