Warwickshire cardiac arrest survivor urges people to learn CPR
Benjamin Culff, from Leamington Spa, collapsed during a restaurant shift when he was 17
A cardiac arrest survivor from Royal Leamington Spa is encouraging people to learn CPR and find out where their nearest defibrillator is.
Benjamin Culff was 17 when he collapsed during a morning shift at a restaurant, surviving thanks to his colleagues’ quick actions.
Benjamin said he remembers little about that day: "I was collecting glasses with a colleague and had reached the top of a staircase when suddenly the cardiac arrest happened.
"I was airlifted to Royal Stoke Hospital and given further treatment, looking back it's scary to think how sudden the cardiac arrest happened."
Benjamin said he experience changed how he thought about CPR and defibrillators and has since taken part in awareness campaigns and worked as an ambassador for a company developing a more portable defibrillator.
Benjamin is encouraging people to educate themselves on CPR too: "It's important that whenever you may come across someone in that dire need situation that you're as prepared as possible as you may be that person's only hope in that moment.
"You can only do good for them by doing CPR, or calling for help, or speaking to the ambulance across the phone.
"This is a life or death situation that can flip on its head, in any moment. And the sooner you can get help, and the sooner you can assist that person, the higher chances of survival"
Resuscitation Council UK says giving CPR can double a person's chance of survival and this Restart a Heart Day is highlighting the importance of learning lifesaving skills.
Adam Benson-Clarke, Clinical Director at RCUK said: " Nobody's chance of surviving a cardiac arrest should depend on their postcode, ethnicity or background. Yet we know that access to lifesaving skills and knowledge is not equal and we're working to help more people learn CPR and feel confident stepping in when every second counts."