Restart A Heart

The campaign to teach life-saving CPR skills to children

Could you Restart a heart?

Here at South East Coast Ambulance Service, we support the Resuscitation Council UK’s ‘Restart A Heart’ campaign every year.

Volunteers and members of staff use their free time to go in to schools and colleges to teach CPR to our children.

Each year across our region, thousands of young people are taught CPR – a vital skill life skill.

We would love your school or college to get involved and get the children learning one of the most important skills they could leave school with.

How to give hands only CPR.

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Complete this form if you would like to take part in Restart A Heart 2025

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. Learn CPR and become a lifesaving hero.

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How can I learn CPR?

We teach CPR at secondary schools, colleges and other organisations across the South East each year around Restart a Heart week.

We offer the option of virtual learning as well as face-to-face teaching.

Please complete the form below or email restartaheart@secamb.nhs.uk for more information

There are many other ways to learn what to do in the ultimate medical emergency.

Watch our CPR training video starring our very own staff/volunteers.
Learn CPR by playing This is a free interactive game in a film by the Resuscitation Council (UK)
Resuscitation Council UK’s animation demonstrates what to do when someone collapses and stops breathing normally at a time of increased risk of infection
You can find out more by watching the British Heart Foundation (BHF) videos or buying your own training kits by visiting the BHF website
Download St John Ambulance’s free mobile phone app and keep life-saving info, including how to perform CPR with you at all times

CPR Training Videos

Find more videos on the British Heart Foundation Website

What is Cardiac Arrest?

Duration 2:30

Child CPR

Duration 3:11

The Recovery Position

Duration 5:48

Defibrillator Awareness

Duration 2:55

Complete this form if you would like to take part in Restart A Heart 2025

FAQ's

When is Restart A Heart Day?

Restart a Heart Day is on 16 October, however we are happy to facilitate sessions on other suitable days near this time.

What happens after we book?

Our dedicated Restart A Heart Team will be in touch to confirm whether we will be able to attend, as we only have a limited number of volunteers. If we are unable to attend, we can provide you with the training materials that can enable you to facilitate the session yourself.

Who can attend Restart A Heart sessions?

Our training is aimed at school and college students, but we’re happy to work with any community group or organisation that has young people wanting to learn life-saving skills.

How long does a session last?

Sessions last approximately one hour, but can be shorter or longer depending on group size, engagement etc.

Will SECAmb provide all equipment?

Yes, SECAmb will provide the equipment and manikins needed on the day. However, manikins are subject to availability, and we might have to substitute with pillows, teddy bears etc.

Is there a cost to schools or colleges?

No, our Restart A Heart training is provided free of charge by SECAmb staff and volunteers, thanks to our partnership with the Resuscitation Council UK.

What will students learn?

How to recognise a cardiac arrest, hands-only CPR, CPR with rescue breaths if appropriate, when and how to call 999, basic AED awareness.

Do students get a certificate?

Yes, every participant receives a certificate to take home and share with family and friends. Following the session, we will provide you with a digital blank version of the certificate for you to fill out and distribute to the children.

Can adults or staff join in?

Absolutely – teachers, support staff, and parents are encouraged to participate alongside students to reinforce the skill across your whole community.

How do I book a session?

Simply complete our booking form available on the webpage or email restartaheart@secamb.nhs.uk with your preferred dates and headcount.

Who delivers the training?

All sessions are led by SECAmb staff or trained volunteer responders who follow the latest Resuscitation Council UK guidelines.