Wednesday 16th October was World Restart a Heart Day, a day to raise awareness and to teach as many people as possible the live saving skill of CPR.
Two of our very own societies here at UPSU, Para:Soc and the First Aid Society, gave up their day to host a stall out on the SU roof to teach University of Plymouth students and the general public how to do CPR. They aimed to "promote bystander CPR if someone was to collapse".
"The University of Plymouth First Aid Society (UP:FA) supports the St John Ambulance's vision that 'no one should die in a situation where basic first aid could have saved them'." - First Aid Society
Despite the weather the team were "out in force and with high spirits" for the whole day teaching a steady stream of people how to perform this life saving skill.
"We thought it would be a bit quiet due to it being a Wednesday and sports/societies were sporting. But as lectures finished and people started to head home, they saw the stands and came over to learn CPR. PARA:SOC would like to thank the Students' Union, the University of Plymouth and also First Aid Society for their support and the members for helping out on the day. I am sure we taught people how to do CPR, and if they knew how to do it, are now more confident to do it. We're also hoping to do more public engagement activities in the New Year - so watch this space!" - Ben Bower, Para:Soc
Want to learn how to do CPR? Check out this resource from the British Heart Foundation.
As a member of UPSU, all University of Plymouth students have access to over 100 societies, over 50 sports clubs and countless opportunities to meet new people, get involved with volunteering and to find your Uni family.
Find out more about these two societies below and browse a full list of all 100 societies here.
Para:Soc
ParaSoc is a student-led organisation designed for student paramedics and anyone with an interest in pre-hospital medicine. We aim to provide extra-curricular activities to enhance your knowledge and degree, as well as social events to offer a break from your studies!
First Aid Society (UP:FA)
University of Plymouth First Aid Society aims to educate and promote first aid skills as well as helping to give the confidence to use them in real life. We provide informal evenings to all members in addition to working alongside the University's St John Ambulance unit who provide first aid cover at events across our city and across the UK.