Saving Lives Through CPR: How the South East Community is Making a Difference
- Paula Churchill
- Feb 19, 2025
- 2 min read
In the past year, members of the public in the South East have played a crucial role in saving more than 300 lives by administering cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) to individuals experiencing cardiac arrest.

One such hero is Kirsty Finch from Hadlow, Kent, who used CPR on her husband when he went into cardiac arrest in December. Remarkably, Kirsty had only been trained in the procedure four weeks prior to the incident. "I'm so glad I took the course as it gave me the confidence to act in those critical moments before the teams arrived," she shared.
The South East Coast Ambulance Service (Secamb) is urging more people to learn CPR, as it can significantly increase a person's chance of survival. In the 12 months from March 2023 to March 2024, there were 2,172 instances where the public used CPR to resuscitate individuals experiencing a heart attack across the region. The area covered by Secamb boasts a public CPR success rate of 11.5%, the highest recorded by any English ambulance service and a 2% increase from the previous year.
Dan Cody, interim deputy chief medical officer and consultant paramedic for Secamb, emphasized the importance of community involvement in saving lives: "It can take a whole community to save a life and the public, our volunteers, my colleagues and our expert hospital teams are all vital links in the chain of survival."
It's important to note that almost 80% of cardiac arrests occur in the home, making it even more crucial for individuals to learn CPR. By being prepared and trained in this life-saving skill, you can make a significant difference in the lives of your loved ones and community members.
Get Trained in CPR with Paula Churchill Training Solutions
If you're inspired by these stories and want to learn how to perform CPR, Paula Churchill Training Solutions offers comprehensive training courses. Equip yourself with the skills and confidence to save lives in your community. To learn more about their training programs, please contact:
Phone: 0789 7748 404
By learning CPR, you can become a vital link in the chain of survival and make a significant difference in someone's life during a critical emergency.
Remember, Get Trained, Get Safe!







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