Restart a Heart (RSAH) is an annual initiative led by Resuscitation Council UK and supported by the British Heart Foundation which aims to increase the number of people surviving out-of-hospital cardiac arrests by helping more people learn CPR.
Survival rates from out-of-hospital cardiac arrest remain stubbornly low in the UK, with fewer than one in 10 people surviving. By taking part in Restart a Heart, you are part of something bigger. You are contributing to a society where more people know how to help save a life, and can make a real difference in the ultimate medical emergency.
With support from an alliance of partners all over the world (including UK Ambulance Services, universities, and other charitable and public sector community-based organisations and first aid training organisations) the Resus Council help to organise and facilitate training events, as well as provide opportunities for people to learn CPR and defibrillation digitally in the safety and comfort of their own homes.
You can expect to see Restart a Heart events happening throughout October, and on Restart a Heart day on 16 October.
Whether you're hosting an event or attending one, teaching in person or learning online, you have a key role to play in improving survival rates from out-of-hospital cardiac arrest. You can ensure that everyone has a chance to learn the steps to CPR and how to use a defib and that those having a sudden cardiac arrest have their best chance of surviving.
Restart a Heart may be one month a year but the Resus Council and its partners work to ensure everyone has lifesaving skills continues year round. You can take part, no matter what time of year it is, by:
How it helps to save lives
Last year, on Restart a Heart Day, nearly 7,000 people learned CPR using the British Heart Foundation's free online training tool, RevivR. They are aiming to train even more people this year. They’re also encouraging communities in need of defibrillators to apply for one, for free, as part of their Community Defibrillator Funding Programme.
The chances of surviving a cardiac arrest are significantly increased if a defibrillator is used. For every minute without CPR and defibrillation, the chance of survival reduces by up to 10%. But in the most disadvantaged areas, the nearest 24/7 accessible defibrillator is on average a round trip of approximately 1km, according to research supported by the BHF.
You can help by finding your nearest defibrillator or registering your device on The Circuit so that it can be used in an emergency. The BHF also advise making your device accessible to the public 24/7, to give the best chance of saving a life.
This Restart a Heart Day, let’s work together to build lifesaving communities and help increase out of hospital cardiac arrest survival rates.
Learn CPR and how to safely use a Defibrillator on all of our First Aid courses. Find out more about Restart at Heart Day here.
