Champions Learn Lifesaving Skills to Support Communities Across Hertfordshire

On the 14^th July, Herts Sport & Physical Activity Partnership (HSP) organised a Heart Start Lifesaver Course for members of the Age Friendly: Live Better team and Live Longer Better in Hertfordshire Champions. The interactive training was delivered by Justin from Hearts for Herts, providing participants with practical skills and confidence to respond in emergency situations.

During the session, Champions learned how to perform CPR, safely use a defibrillator, assist someone who is choking, support someone experiencing a suspected heart attack and use a public access bleed control kits. The hands-on course ensured participants left with the knowledge needed to act quickly and effectively if faced with a medical emergency.

Champions regularly support events, physical activity sessions and other physical activity community initiatives, therefore well placed to provide assistance if needed, especially during the critical minutes before emergency services arrive.

Since 2017, Hearts for Herts has been dedicated to educating communities through free lifesaving training while expanding access to emergency equipment across Hertfordshire. The charity has helped install around 130 public access defibrillators and 350 bleed control kits throughout the county, helping ensure lifesaving equipment is available when and where it is needed most. We are supporting Hearts for Herts to recruit more Defibrillator Guardians, volunteers who carry out regular checks to ensure equipment remains ready for use in an emergency. Alongside this work, Herts Sport & Physical Activity Partnership is collaborating with the charity to increase the number of defibrillators available in sports and leisure facilities and community buildings across Hertfordshire.

Residents can find their nearest registered defibrillator using Defib Finder UK

Providing development opportunities such as the Heart Start Lifesaver Course forms part of the wider commitment to support and upskill Live Longer Better in Hertfordshire Champions. By equipping volunteers with practical knowledge and confidence, the programme continues to strengthen its mission of changing perceptions of ageing, promoting independence and creating healthier, more resilient communities.

Individuals interested in joining the revolution and becoming a Live Longer Better in Hertfordshire Champion can find more information online here. The flexible training programme can be completed at a pace that suits individual learners and provides the tools and knowledge needed to advocate for active ageing in local communities.

Visit Live Longer Better in Hertfordshire to find out more and sign up to the mailing list for updates on training, events and opportunities to get involved: