Over 20,000 trained in CPR and defibrillator use through EEAST Heart initiative
The community initiative aims to create more lifesavers in the east of England
More than 20,000 people in the east of England have been trained in CPR and defibrillator use through the EEAST Heart initiative, empowering local communities with lifesaving skills.
EEAST Heart is a free community project run by volunteers and staff from the East of England Ambulance Service NHS Trust (EEAST), supported by the East of England Ambulance Service Charity and its donors.
Since its launch in 2023, EEAST Heart has worked to equip individuals with the skills and confidence to respond in life-threatening emergencies before ambulance crews arrive.
Jon Needle, EEAST Heart Lead and Community Response Manager, explained the importance of the initiative in helping people feel confident to assist during a cardiac arrest.
“Facing a cardiac arrest can be terrifying, especially if you don't know what to do,” Needle said.
“EEAST Heart provides the confidence needed to step in and help during such situations.”
Statistics show fewer than one in ten people in the UK survive an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest, emphasising the significance of learning CPR and defibrillator use.
The training has been made possible by 211 dedicated volunteers and generous donations to the East of England Ambulance Service Charity, which help provide necessary equipment and resources.
Chris McGregor, Deputy Director (Volunteers, Co-Response & NEPTS), highlighted the impact of donations in bringing lifesaving skills to more communities.
“A donation doesn’t just fund a session. It helps embed lifesaving skills in our communities,” McGregor said.
“Every trained individual could be the difference in a life-or-death situation.”
EEAST Heart offers free CPR and defibrillator awareness sessions for schools, businesses, community groups, and residents across the region.