The Stirling University Paramedic Society is hosting a 12-hour CPR marathon on 11 April to fund public defibrillators and raise CPR awareness in the community.
The event aims to highlight the life-saving impact of CPR and ensure more defibrillators are available in public spaces to improve cardiac arrest survival rates.
It will take place in the Triangle in the Cottrell building on campus, where participants will work together to keep CPR going continuously for the full 12 hours.
Alongside the marathon effort, volunteers from first aid charities and the Scottish Ambulance Service will be on hand to teach CPR techniques, ensuring that both participants and passersbys gain the confidence to act in an emergency.
The paramedic society hopes to address the fear and hesitation that many people experience when faced with a cardiac emergency.
Brig reached out to Amy Wilson, a 3rd-year BSc Paramedic Science student and secretary of the society, who explained:
“One of the biggest barriers to performing CPR is the fear of doing it wrong. By running this event in a public space, we want to break down that fear and encourage more people to learn this life-saving skill.”
Alongside raising awareness, the event aims to raise funds for public-access defibrillators in the local area.
Defibrillators can be the difference between life and death in a cardiac arrest, yet many communities lack easy access to these vital devices.
“The proceeds from this event will go directly towards purchasing defibrillators for Stirling,” Wilson says.
“Our goal is to ensure that more locations are equipped with this essential equipment, improving survival chances for anyone who experiences a cardiac arrest outside of a hospital.”
How to Get Involved
The Paramedic Society is encouraging as many people as possible to take part, whether by performing CPR, learning the skill from professionals, or donating to the cause.
Participants will be able to book slots to take part in the marathon, ensuring that CPR continues uninterrupted for the full 12 hours.
“CPR does save lives,” Wilson emphasises, “by having the knowledge and confidence to assist as a bystander, the outcomes for an individual in cardiac arrest improve.”
Donations can be made at the event, and all funds will go towards purchasing public-access defibrillators for the Stirling community.
Slots are still available so if you’re looking to sign up, their page can be found here.
Feature Image Credit: Image Credit: uosparamedicsociety_/Instagram
Current Gaming & Tech Editor
Instagram: @dylan.byline
Email: dylanburt2005@gmail.com
