Members of the public are invited to sign up for free basic life support training from clinicians here at Royal Papworth Hospital, the UK’s leading heart and lung hospital.
These new support sessions are designed to give people the skills and confidence to act fast in an emergency. If someone’s heart stops, bystanders play a vital role in starting the chain of survival before emergency services arrive, giving them the best possible chance of recovery following cardiac arrest.
Sara Almeida is Lead Resuscitation Officer at Royal Papworth Hospital NHS Foundation Trust:
“In the UK, only around 8% of people survive an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest when resuscitation is attempted. However, when effective CPR is started quickly and a defibrillator is used within the first three to five minutes, survival rates can increase to as much as 40–70%. That’s a powerful difference – and it’s one you can help make.
“Our basic life support sessions are designed to give people the skills and confidence to act fast in an emergency. If someone’s heart stops, bystanders play a vital role in starting the chain of survival before emergency services arrive, giving them the best possible chance of recovery following cardiac arrest.
“Our friendly two-hour session will teach you how to recognise when someone is in cardiac arrest, how to perform effective CPR and how to use an automated external defibrillator (AED). You’ll also be able to practice these kills in a safe, supportive environment.
“Whether you’re looking to build confidence, learn something new, or simply be prepared, this session could help you save a life.”
The sessions are aimed at non-clinical members of the public, aged 16 and over. They are free for all to attend, thanks to support from Royal Papworth Charity, and will be delivered by experienced clinicians from Royal Papworth Hospital, including paramedics, doctors and nurses.
The current sessions are:
- Wednesday 22 July 2026, 14:30-16:30
- Wednesday 19 August 2026, 15:00-17:00
- Wednesday 23 September 2026, 14:30-16:30
Spaces are limited and booking is required in advanced.
Please click here to book your free ticket via Ticket Tailor
The Victor Phillip Dahdaleh Heart and Lung Research Institute is located next door to Royal Papworth Hospital on the Cambridge Biomedical Campus
Remember, if someone is unconscious and not breathing, call 999 and start CPR immediately.