REDDITCH MP Rachel Maclean has joined the inspirational Rob and Maggie Underwood to launch a campaign to get first aid and CPR training on the school curriculum.
It came after a meeting between Rob and Maggie, the founders of the Charlotte and Craig Saving Hearts Foundation, and the MP where Mrs Maclean said she was happy to do what she could to put pressure on the Government to introduce first aid and CPR training in all state-funded schools.
As a result she has launched a UK-wide Parliamentary Petition calling for just that as part of health education in English primary and secondary schools.
Residents are able to download copies of the petition from her website by visiting www.rachelmaclean.uk.
It can also be signed online here
“For years now Rob and Maggie Underwood have worked tirelessly to train thousands of people to know how to use CPR,” said Mrs Maclean.
“The tragic circumstances which have led to the inspirational pair to help save countless lives is a reminder to us all that, with basic training, we can all learn how to save lives.
“For a long time the Underwoods have been calling for first aid education, including CPR, to be taught in schools.
“For me this is just commonsense. This isn’t about politics, this is about saving lives and I hope you will all join me in signing this petition and together we can push for real change.”
The Underwoods said: “After losing three children through a rare heart condition, we know more than most how important these skills are which is why we want them taught from a young age so people go through life armed with these skills for when they need them.
“No-one knows when they will be faced with someone in cardiac arrest and a person nearby who knows CPR could make all the difference.
“As part of our campaigning, we have helped get hundreds of defibrillators put at different venues across Redditch and the surrounding area but that is only half the battle.
“When someone is in cardiac arrest, they need to be kept alive long enough for the defibrillator and paramedics to get to them so they can get to hospital safely where there is a wealth of equipment that can greatly improve their chances of survival.
“We are grateful to Rachel for joining us to launch this campaign and we hope the people of Redditch and further afield will also come on board.”
With over 100,000 out of hospital cardiac arrests, along with approximately 19 young adults in and around our schools every year, having such skills to perform CPR could greatly reduce the needless deaths.
