Yorkshire Ambulance Service has officially launched its Restart a Heart Day 2026 initiative, offering free CPR training to secondary schools across the region. This annual event seeks to empower students with essential life-saving skills, enabling them to respond confidently and effectively during cardiac arrest emergencies.
Registration Now Open for Schools
Registration is currently open for schools interested in participating in this vital program. The event is scheduled for Friday, October 16, 2026. Schools must complete the registration form before the closing date on Friday, April 10, 2026, to secure their spot in the training sessions.
Empowering the Next Generation
Jason Carlyon, community engagement manager at Yorkshire Ambulance Service, emphasized the importance of this initiative. "We believe every student should have the opportunity to learn CPR," he stated. "We are thrilled to launch registration for our 13th Restart a Heart Day and encourage all secondary schools to take advantage of this free training. Thanks to our dedicated volunteers who selflessly give their time, we can ensure more young people acquire the skills needed to save lives."
Impressive Track Record Since 2014
Since its inception in 2014, Restart a Heart Day has made a significant impact. Yorkshire Ambulance Service staff and volunteers have taught CPR to over 311,432 students through more than 1,397 school visits. This effort has contributed an impressive 49,717 volunteer hours to the campaign, highlighting the community's commitment to life-saving education.
Support from Yorkshire Ambulance Service Charity
The event receives generous support from the Yorkshire Ambulance Service Charity, which is dedicated to providing life-saving education for young people. Participating schools will be contacted by the charity with fundraising opportunities to further develop the Restart a Heart campaign, ensuring its continued growth and reach.
Addressing a Critical Health Issue
In the UK, more than 30,000 people experience an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest each year. Currently, survival rates stand at just 8.6 percent, meaning less than one in ten individuals survive. Prompt administration of CPR and the use of a defibrillator can significantly increase the chances of survival.
If the UK achieved survival rates similar to countries like Norway, where 25 percent of cardiac arrest patients survive due to widespread CPR training in schools, an additional 100 lives could be saved each week. This equates to approximately 5,000 lives saved annually, underscoring the critical importance of programs like Restart a Heart Day.
How to Get Involved
For further information about Restart a Heart Day 2026, schools and interested parties can visit the official website or contact the Yorkshire Ambulance Service via email. This initiative represents a crucial step in improving public health outcomes and fostering a community of prepared and capable young responders.
