Nurses offer free CPR training to schools in memory of local teacher
Volunteers from Kettering and Northampton hospitals give their time to teach life-saving skills
Hospital staff in Northamptonshire have launched a voluntary programme offering free basic life‑support training to primary school teachers, inspired by the tragic death of a local teacher who suffered a cardiac arrest.
The initiative, believed to be one of the first of its kind in the country, involves 29 volunteers from Kettering General Hospital and Northampton General Hospital delivering training in CPR, defibrillator use, anaphylaxis and choking.
Specialist respiratory nurse Samantha Rawson, from Kettering General Hospital, helped set up the project after her childhood friend — a mother of three and a primary school teacher — died suddenly in 2024.
To create a meaningful legacy, Rawson collaborated with Tanya Birke, Quality Excellence Lead Nurse, to launch this program and put together a team of medical volunteers.
Rawson shared her motivation: "My friend was such a joyful person, and I wanted to do something positive with that grief.
“Given that she was a primary school teacher, I thought about how I could use my medical background to change something — especially around basic life support.” She added.
Birke emphasised the program’s importance: "Primary schools are a great starting point because teachers are often involved with both students and the broader community."
“ I wanted to do something meaningful in her memory.''
The team has already delivered sessions at several primary schools, including their largest so far at Barton Seagrave Primary, where 70 staff were trained in one day.
Rawson said teachers had responded positively, “It was so well received. Everyone took part and asked open, honest questions. Many said they came away feeling more confident.”
Birke, who has more than two decades of experience teaching resuscitation skills, said providing training to school staff could have a significant impact.
“Around 80% of out‑of‑hospital cardiac arrests happen in homes or the community.”
“Primary school staff are responsible not just for pupils but for colleagues, parents and carers coming in and out of the school. Giving them these skills can make a real difference.” She added.
Birke explained the team deliberately focuses on clear, practical techniques: “The skills we teach are simple, evidence‑based and designed for the public. What many value most is getting hands‑on with mannequins and training defibrillators.”
Rawson added that one of the strengths of the project is the way her colleague, Birke, delivers the training. “She's (Tanya Birke) very modest, but she has a real gift for myth‑busting,
“When she talks to school staff, she breaks down those fears people have about stepping in during an emergency. She helps them feel confident to act, rather than scared to try.” Rawson added.
Both nurses hope the initiative will inspire similar schemes across the country. “There are professionals in every hospital with these skills,” Rawson said. “If teams elsewhere can do this in their communities, even more lives could be saved.”
The volunteers are running the sessions in their own time, something Rawson says she is “incredibly grateful” for.
“They’re giving up hours of their free time to support the community and hopefully save lives.”
Anyone experiencing a medical emergency is urged to call 999 immediately.