Bournemouth, Health & Lifestyle | Posted on October 2nd, 2026 | return to news

Ambulance Service CPR training in Boscombe to help public awareness

Many people don’t know CPR or how to use public defibrillator machines, training could help you save a life.

The South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust (SWASFT) is inviting people across the region to take part in free community events this October to learn lifesaving CPR, as part of the annual Restart a Heart (RSAH) initiative.

The Dorset event takes place on Friday 16 October at the Sovereign Shopping Centre, Boscombe with lessons taking place between 9.00–16.30.

Led by Resuscitation Council UK, the initiative raises awareness of cardiac arrests and equips people with the confidence and skills to perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and to use a defibrillator.

By learning these simple techniques, members of the public can play a vital role in improving survival rates for out-of-hospital cardiac arrests.

Everyone who completes a 15-minute CPR session will receive a certificate, but even a few minutes spent learning from the team will help towards increasing survival rates for out-of-hospital cardiac arrests across the South West.

Hannah Butler, Volunteering and Community Services Officer at SWASFT, said: “Every minute matters when someone suffers a cardiac arrest, and knowing what to do can make the difference between life and death. A simple act like starting CPR or using a defibrillator can more than double a person’s chances of survival.

“With 80% of cardiac arrests happening at home, it could be a friend or family member who urgently needs your help.

“Throughout Restart a Heart month, we want to give people across our communities the skills and confidence to step in during those critical moments. These events are a chance for anyone to learn how to save a life, and we’re looking forward to welcoming people of all ages to get involved.”