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Facts and statistics
Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is a lifesaving technique useful in many emergencies, including heart attack or near drowning, in which someone's breathing or heartbeat has stopped. Approximately 60,000 out-of-hospital cardiac arrests occur in the UK each year. Statistics show that early CPR can double or triple the likelihood of survival after cardiac arrest. However, fewer than 1 in 10 people survive an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest, highlighting the urgent need for widespread CPR training.
What is CPR?
CPR combines rescue breathing and chest compressions to support and maintain breathing and circulation in a person whose heart has stopped beating and who has stopped breathing. The current guidelines recommend focusing on hands-on CPR for bystanders, which involves uninterrupted chest compressions of 100 to 120 a minute until emergency services arrive.
Legislation and regulations
In the UK, the Health and Safety (First-Aid) Regulations 1981 require employers to provide adequate and appropriate equipment, facilities, and personnel to ensure their employees receive immediate attention if injured or taken ill at work. This includes ensuring employees are trained to handle health emergencies, such as CPR.
Best practices in CPR training
The Resuscitation Council (UK) provides detailed guidelines regularly updated to reflect the latest clinical research. The latest guidelines emphasise the importance of high-quality chest compressions over rescue breaths, simplifying the CPR process for untrained bystanders. It is crucial that training courses are compliant with these guidelines to ensure that the training is both current and effective.
Implementing CPR training in the workplace
- Regular training - Ensure that CPR training sessions are held regularly to update employees' skills.
- Certification - Certify employees in CPR to confirm their abilities to perform the procedure.
- Drills - Conduct regular drills to keep employees prepared for actual emergencies.
- Accessible equipment - Install automated external defibrillators (AEDs) and provide training on how to use them alongside CPR.
Recommendations
- Assess your training needs - Determine the level of CPR training necessary for your employees based on the nature of their work.
- Choose accredited courses - Select courses that meet the latest guidelines from the Resuscitation Council (UK) and are tailored to your organisation’s needs.
- Promote a culture of safety - Encourage a workplace culture where safety is prioritised, and every employee feels empowered and skilled to act in an emergency.
Conclusion
CPR is a powerful skill that everyone should know. It’s not just for healthcare professionals but is essential for anyone who wants to be prepared to help others in the most critical times. At The Mandatory Training Group, we offer comprehensive training that adheres to the latest standards and best practices, ensuring your team understands CPR and can perform it effectively when it matters most.
Are you ready to equip yourself and your team with this life saving skill? Click here today to find out more about our accredited CPR training courses and how you can get started. Prepare to be the difference in an emergency. Your readiness can save a life.
Disclaimer: This blog is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always seek professional medical assistance in emergency situations.
About the author
Dr Richard Dune
With over 20 years of experience, Richard blends a rich background in NHS, the private sector, academia, and research settings. His forte lies in clinical R&D, advancing healthcare tech, workforce development and governance. His leadership ensures regulatory compliance and innovation align seamlessly.
