Life-saving skills to continue to be taught in city's schools

Life-saving skills will continue to be taught in Glasgow’s schools once a British Heart Foundation scheme comes to an end.

The Heartstart initiative, which taught emergency skills to the public, was closed on June 20 – with the BHF continuing to offer CPR and defibrillator training through its Call Push Recue programme.

Cllr Maureen Burke asked education convener Chris Cunningham about plans to replace Heartstart at a full council meeting.

She said the collapse of Denmark’s Christian Eriksen, who suffered a cardiac arrest during his country’s Euro 2020 tie against Finland, had highlighted the importance of CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) training.

“It was CPR that helped save his life,” cllr Burke said.

“I think it’s relevant that we as a council make sure our children get the proper training to assist if they ever come across a situation like that.”

Cllr Cunningham said CPR training in schools is carried out through either the original Heartstart package or the newer Call Push Rescue scheme.

CPR and first aid skills are provided alongside partners including BHF, the Scottish Ambulance Community Resuscitation team and St Andrew’s First Aid, he said.

He added: “As of the beginning of 2020, the council’s aim was to have 4500 young people trained via Heartstart schemes.

“The loss of this programme could have a significant impact on the numbers of people we are able to reach, together with CPR skills, by 2026.

“Our intention is to work with our partners to develop a new arrangement.”

The council will work with Save a Life for Scotland, which aims to equip one million people with CPR skills. Its coordination team will have oversight of the Heartstart programme for 12 months to minimise disruption.

Cllr Cunningham said: “We will continue to use the Heartstart training material and brand name with permission from the BHF.

“BHF has kindly released its Heartstart resources to Save a Live for Scotland for use after rebranding.”

A nine-to-12-month consultation period will be held to decide the best way forward.

“All partners and wider supporters who are committed to equipping young people in Scotland with life-saving skills will be invited to contribute to our consultation,” cllr Cunningham said.

“We are committed to continuing our work to expand the number of young people who are able to deliver CPR and thereby contribute to the reduction in out-of-hospital cardiac arrest facilities in Glasgow and Scotland.”

By local democracy reporter Drew Sandelands