Heart Stopping Education

“If you can help, I hope you do”

In this year’s electrifying SMSC Day, the year 8s were learning how to operate and where to find WLA’s defibrillator. Of course, the battery pack was removed for safety, but the skill was learnt all the same.

The session, led by Mrs Tuck, Mr Mawson and special guest first responder John Further, covered the signs of cardiac arrest and heart attacks; and what to do if you think someone’s at risk. When asked why he thought it was important, Mr Further said, “There are over 200,000 heart attacks and 100,000 cardiac arrests each year. You only have a few minutes before it’s too late, so it’s important young people can recognise the symptoms. If we can do that, we can raise the survival rate from 6% to 70%.” For the year 8s, this information could be vital, as every single week 12 – 15 young people suffer from heart attacks.

The session took a hands on approach, showing them the setup of a kit and explaining exactly how to use it. The hope is that while every student would want to help someone in danger of a heart attack, they will be able to understand that they should never put their life at risk to help someone. It may sound cruel, but it’s far easier for first responders to treat one person instead of two. Overall the message is clear, try to help but if someone more qualified is available, get their help.

Even teachers were learning as Mr Mawson shared the fact that it can take ten heart compressions just to get blood to start flowing again. In a situation where there is no defibrillator, students were told to try CPR, which they would learn even more about in a later session.

The session falls under Social and Moral as teachers hope that it will give them the education they require to be able to help those in need. This wish is summarised by John Further, “If you can help, I hope you do”.