Should someone collapse in front of you then those first few moments are vital. Knowing how to perform CPR and how to use an AED could literally mean the difference between life and death. This is why organisations across the world are all coming together on the 16th October to train as many people as possible in this life saving skill on World Restart a Heart day.

The day itself is supported by the British Heart Foundation, the UK Resuscitation Council, St John’s Ambulance and the British Red Cross, amongst others, and they tot up how many people have joined in each year. Annually numbers are growing and this year as a collective they all aim to train over 200,000 people across the globe.

To do their bit, local first aid training company BridgeCare are hosting an event in the Forest of Dean at Vantage Point Business Village in Mitcheldean where you can drop in any time between 8am and 8pm to learn these skills and be counted in those numbers. Flyers and posters are currently being distributed and many local schools and businesses have already expressed an interest in sending staff and pupils along.

“We are very excited to be joining in with this day and Vantage Point have been brilliant helping us to host it. It’s a great initiative and we want to make it as easy as possible for everyone to come along and learn these skills.” said Bridget Strong, Founder of BridgeCare. “In particular we are so pleased to be welcoming so many school children and young people from the local area.”

The event at Vantage Point is open to everyone and is going to be a drop in day so there’s no need to book and there is no age limit. Anyone can learn, from five to 95. It is about training as many people as possible and really making a difference.

“I’ve been a paramedic and nurse for over 35 years and in that time you really do see first hand the difference that it makes when bystanders or loved ones have the skills to carry out CPR themselves before the crew arrive.” said Bridget. “You’ll never regret learning a skill like this but unfortunately you may one day regret not knowing it.”

If you need any further information or are a school and would like to arrange to visit then Bridget can be contacted on 07960 270006 or visit www.bridgecare

consultancy.co.uk for more information.