The session, organised in conjunction with Byker-based group African Community Advice North East (ACANE), is part of the service’s ongoing work to target health inequality in underserved groups across the North East and improve survival from cardiac arrest. The project targets communities who are less likely to deliver bystander cardio-pulmonary resuscitation (CPR) in instances of cardiac arrest.
A cardiac arrest happens when the heart suddenly stops pumping, which prevents blood from flowing to the brain and other vital organs, depriving them of oxygen. This is different from a heart attack, although a heart attack can lead to a cardiac arrest. Chest compressions provided during CPR pump blood around the body to keep someone alive until the paramedics arrive. Without immediate treatment with CPR – and a defibrillator if there is one nearby – the person could die within minutes.
In 2024, the North East Ambulance Service attended 5,764 out-of-hospital cardiac arrests across the region.
Research paramedic, Karl Charlton, led on the research in 2021 that inspired the current project, which explored some of the reasons behind the variation in rates of bystander CPR that exist in different parts of our region. Lower rates of bystander CPR mean less chance of survival from cardiac arrest so understanding what prevents people delivering CPR is important. He said: “Early CPR in cases of cardiac arrest is vital in achieving the best long-term results for patients. In the last 12 months we have been working with communities to understand why they are less likely to perform bystander CPR and defibrillation, and to give them the skills to help bridge the gap in knowledge and confidence.”
Karl continues: “The North East has a disproportionately high rate of incidents of cardiac arrest compared to other regions in the country, but sadly a low rate of bystander CPR. There are a number of reasons why this happens, and we are hoping to address some of these barriers through our free CPR workshops.
“Our research helped us identify groups that needed additional support, but also helped us identify that a ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach to this kind of training just doesn’t work for every community. We’re really glad to have been given the opportunity to work closely with these communities so that every patient, no matter their background, is able to receive life-saving care.”
The training included teaching attendees how to recognise cardiac arrests and heart attacks, how to perform CPR, and how to use defibrillators.
African Community Advice North East (ACANE) supports refugees and asylum seekers living in the North East. Gaby Kitoko, manager for the charity, has worked with the ambulance service over the past couple of months to arrange training for the groups members. He said: “Last week’s session to me was informative and live saving training that will empower our community's members to act with knowledge in a case of crisis. We were very happy to have the ambulance service join us, and teach us these important skills.”
It only takes a few minutes to learn CPR. To find out more, visit: https://