Football legends join forces to teach nation how to perform CPR | X8Y054R | 2024-05-01 11:08:01
Football legends join forces to teach nation how to perform CPR | X8Y054R | 2024-05-01 11:08:01
An inspiring line-up of footballers impacted by life-threatening heart conditions have joined forces to urge more than a quarter of a million people to learn life-saving CPR.
Luton Town captain Tom Lockyer joined former international stars Graeme Souness, David Ginola and Glenn Hoddle to unveil a ground-breaking new campaign – 'Every Minute Matters' – at Wembley Stadium.
Organised by Sky Bet and the British Heart Foundation (BHF), 'Every Minute Matters' aims to recruit 270,000 people – the equivalent of three Wembley's – to learn life-saving CPR over the next 12 months.
Sky Bet has also pledged to donate up to £3 million to support the vital work of Britain's biggest heart charity, starting with £10,000 for every goal scored during normal and extra time during the Sky Bet Play-Offs – which begin this Friday and end with three showpiece finals at England's national stadium later this month.
Souness, Ginola, Hoddle and Lockyer are part of the 'Re-Starting 11' – a one-off team including Fabrice Muamba, Derby County defender Megan Tinsley and Wigan Athletic striker Charlie Wyke – who will share their own stories and give Brits the skills to tackle the ultimate medical emergency.
The 'Re-Starting 11' also features football fans who have either survived a cardiac arrest or saved someone's life.
Souness, who was diagnosed with coronary heart disease in his early 30s, said: 'CPR saves lives – and you only have to look at our Re-Starting 11 to see that. It's a privilege to join a team of inspiring people, many who are only here today thanks to CPR, as we stand with Sky Bet and the British Heart Foundation to call on the nation to take action.
'Every day, more than 80 people will suffer an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest in the UK – and that's why we need more people to learn CPR through RevivR.
'Together we can equip thousands more fans with the knowledge and confidence to perform these lifesaving skills, because in the crucial moments following a cardiac arrest every minute really does matter.'
Lockyer, who collapsed during last year's Sky Bet Championship Play-Off Final and survived a cardiac arrest in December, added: 'I was lucky that in the moment when my heart stopped, those nearby knew the skills to save my life.
'Without the prompt actions of the medical staff who gave me CPR and defibrillation, I simply wouldn't be here today – and I'm forever grateful for that.
'That's why I'm joining the Re-Starting 11 as we call for more football fans to learn CPR. If every fan in every club took 15 minutes to learn CPR with RevivR, it could help save thousands of lives.'
There are more than 30,000 out-of-hospital cardiac arrests in the UK each year, equating to at least five every 90 minutes. Each minute that passes without CPR reduces the chance of survival by up to 10 per cent.
And tragically, less than one in ten people survive often because those around them lack the skills or confidence to perform CPR.
To kick-start the campaign to tackle the problem, Sky Bet and BHF will this month harness the platform and drama of the Sky Bet Play-Offs to unite football fans and the wider British public behind one clear goal – saving lives.
Every Minute Matters will urge everyone to take just 15 minutes – the length of the half-time interval – to learn CPR with RevivR, the BHF's free and easy to use digital tool that can teach anyone how to save a life in 15 minutes.
The simple course requires no medical experience and can be completed with just a mobile phone and a cushion to practise on. After completing the training, 97% of users feel confident enough to give CPR and use a defibrillator.
Dr Charmaine Griffiths, Chief Executive at British Heart Foundation (BHF), said: 'Millions have watched as players and fans have suffered devastating cardiac arrests in football stadiums – cardiac arrests really can happen to anyone, anywhere and at any time.
'Every Minute Matters will equip thousands of fans with lifesaving CPR skills, giving them the confidence to step in during the ultimate medical emergency. It will also improve access to defibrillators in communities across England, and fund millions of pounds of groundbreaking research into new treatments and cures for heart conditions.
'With the support of legends from the world of football who have been affected by devastating heart conditions, this ambitious partnership will undoubtedly save lives.'
The Every Minute Matters activity in May is just the start of a year-long campaign. Throughout the summer and the 2024/25 season, Sky Bet and the BHF will work together on raising awareness and in tackling specific issues to help in the fight against SCA.
Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at webnews@metro.co.uk.
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More >> https://ift.tt/5CpYt4D Source: MAG NEWS
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