A SCHEME aiming to teach lifesaving skills has now reached 2,000 people across the borough.

The Cheshire West Heartstart scheme – supported by the British Heart Foundation – aims to provide basic emergency life support skills such as CPR to residents.

More skilled first aiders means a speedier response to emergencies including cardiac arrest, thus increasing the chances of survival.

Over the past six years, a group of volunteers has delivered training session, with the 2,000th student passing the course last week.

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The free sessions have directly resulted in five people’s lives being saved thanks to individuals being confident in using CPR skills and deploying a defibrillator – actions learned from the free HeartStart courses.

Last year, a partnership was formed with Witton Albion Football Club’s community arm, Witton Albion in the Community, to hold regular sessions at the football ground which have proved to be very popular.

Mark Simmons, senior locality officer for Cheshire West and Chester Council, said: “The success of these courses has been fantastic.

“If it leads to one person’s life being saved, then it is a very worthwhile exercise.

“To find out that the skills learned on these courses have helped saved the lives of five people just brings home just how vitally important they are.

“We have to thank all the volunteers who give up their free time to conduct the sessions and organise events. Without them, none of the success would be possible.

“And also to John Salmon and Witton Albion Football Club who allow us to use their excellent facilities for the courses.”

The Heartstart scheme has also managed to encourage councillors, parish councils, businesses, schools and groups to purchase a defibrillator for their community.

Through volunteers’ work, 77 Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) have been installed in the area.

Email heartstart@wittonalbion.com to learn more about the sessions.