Restart a Heart
Every second counts when someone experiences a cardiac arrest. That's why South Western Ambulance Service is proud to support Restart a Heart.
This annual event is dedicated to teaching as many people as possible the vital skill of CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation) and the safe use of an Automated External Defibrillator (AED).
It's never too late to learn a new skill, especially one that could potentially save someone's life.
Come along to one of our FREE Restart a Heart events in October where we will be on hand offering CPR training at various venues across the region.
Details of this year's events can be found below.
Why is Restart a Heart Day important?
Life-saving skills: Learning CPR can make the difference between life and death. Immediate CPR can double or even triple a person's chance of survival.
Community empowerment: By equipping our community with these skills, we create a safer environment for everyone.
Increased awareness: The more people who know CPR, the better prepared we are as a community to respond to cardiac emergencies.
What to expect
- Free CPR training: Join us at various locations across the South West for free, hands-on CPR training sessions led by our experienced staff
- Interactive demonstrations: Watch demonstrations and participate in interactive sessions to practice your skills or learn for the first time
- Educational resources: Access a wealth of information on cardiac arrest, CPR techniques, and how to use an Automated External Defibrillator (AED).
How you can get involved
- Attend a session: Find a training session near you
- Spread the word: Share our event on social media and encourage friends and family to join.
What is CPR?
Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is a simple life-saving technique given to someone in cardiac arrest. It aims to take over the job of the heart and lungs by keeping blood and oxygen flowing through the body.
A cardiac arrest is caused by an electrical problem in the heart which then stops pumping blood around the body and brain.
CPR incorporates chest compressions (push ‘hard and fast’ in the centre of the chest between the nipples to the beat of ‘Staying Alive’) and rescue breaths. Without CPR, the person will die within minutes.
Most out-of-hospital cardiac arrests happen in the home. Learn CPR and one day you might be able to save the life of a loved one – surely there’s no better incentive.
Statistics
- 80% of cardiac arrests happen within the home
- For every minute, a person is in cardiac arrest without bystander CPR the chance of survival decreases by 10%
Why is learning CPR important?
Early CPR and defibrillation can more than double the chances of survival from an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest.
Each year, in the UK alone:
Restart a Heart events
|
Date |
Venue |
Time |
|
07/10/2026 |
Riviera Connect Expo *Free to enter but will require tickets |
09:30-17:00 |
|
14/10/2026 |
Princess Pavilion, 41 Melvill Road, Falmouth, TR11 4AR |
10:00-15:00 |
|
Jubilee Hall |
19:00-21:00 |
|
|
Bradford and Cookbury Village Hall |
19:00-21:00 |
|
|
15/10/2026 |
Boscastle Community & Recreation Centre |
14:00-18:00 |
|
IKEA Exeter |
10.00-16.00 |
|
|
16/10/2026 |
Designer Outlet Swindon |
09:00-15:00 |
|
Tesco Superstore Camborne |
10.00-15.00 |
|
|
Sovereign Shopping Centre |
09:00-16:30 |
|
|
17/10/2026 |
Meldon Village Hall |
17:00-19:00 |
|
18/10/2026 |
Gloucester Quays |
10.00-16.00 |
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