Bournemouth, Health & Lifestyle | Posted on October 14th, 2025 | return to news

New life-saving skills for Bournemouth footballers

University Hospitals Dorset’s Resuscitation Team has taught members of AFC Bournemouth how to give CPR and to use a defibrillator.

AFC Bournemouth footballers have learned new skills.

The players, together with club ambassador Steve Fletcher and club staff, were taught how to give CPR and to use a defibrillator by University Hospitals Dorset’s Resuscitation Team.

The initiative aims to equip individuals with the skills and confidence to respond quickly in situations of cardiac arrest, which could happen anywhere, including home or on the football pitch.

The training session was held to encourage others to learn CPR ahead of Restart a Heart Day on 16 October, as many of us will witness a cardiac arrest in our lifetime.

Resuscitation Officer Liz Ponsford said: “It’s important to know you don’t have to be an expert in CPR. Learning these simple skills will improve chances of survival. Early CPR intervention increases the chance of survival by 50 per cent, and early defibrillation increases that further to 85 per cent. In the crucial moments following a cardiac arrest, every minute really does matter.”

The club said it wanted to encourage people to learn CPR and how to use a defibrillator.

Steve Fletcher added: “We want to thank the Resuscitation Team for visiting us. It has given us the confidence to practise these important skills that could save a friend, family member, or someone in our community.”

The Resuscitation Team will be hosting several free community events where you can learn how to save a life. See them in Bournemouth Square today on 14 October, and Saxon Square in Christchurch on 17 October.