Bolton firefighters will be in town to show you how you could save a life

Bolton firefighters are inviting the public to learn how to save a life with free CPR sessions taking place in the town centre this week.

The event, organised as part of Restart a Heart Day , a national campaign promoting CPR awareness, will be held outside the Market Place entrance on Thursday, October 16, from 11am to 3pm.

Every year, more than 40,000 people in the UK suffer a cardiac arrest outside of hospital, yet fewer than one in ten survive.

Around 80 per cent happen in the home, meaning that knowing CPR could save the life of a friend or family member.

The short, 15-minute sessions will teach people how to recognise when someone needs CPR and how to perform it effectively.

Firefighters from Bolton Central Fire Station, who regularly train in first aid and resuscitation, will guide participants through the steps.

Phil Hindsley, firefighter at Bolton Central Fire station said: “These short 15 minute classes will help prepare you on how to identify if some one needs CPR and how to perform it effectively to help save a life.

"It could make a huge difference to helping a friend or family members should they suffer a cardiac arrest.

"Everyone can come down and learn how to save a life."

Local businesses are being encouraged to allow staff to attend for 15 minutes during the day, and parents or carers are also welcome.

Both adult and child manikins will be available for hands-on practice.

Firefighters say early CPR and defibrillation can more than double a person’s chance of survival and hope as many people as possible will come along to learn this vital skill.

Everyone is welcome to drop by with no booking required.