Members of the Portsmouth Carers Group learned vital life-saving skills during an interactive out-of-hospital cardiac arrest awareness session delivered by Nathan Mounsey, Public Governor for Hampshire and First Responder, alongside Jack Perryman, Community First Responder, on Tuesday 7 July.
The session forms part of South Central Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust’s ongoing commitment to improving survival from out-of-hospital cardiac arrest by increasing awareness of the simple actions that can make the biggest difference before an ambulance arrives.
During the session, Nathan and Jack explained how to recognise the signs of cardiac arrest, the importance of calling 999 immediately, starting CPR without delay, and using a public access defibrillator. Attendees also took part in practical demonstrations, giving them the opportunity to build confidence and practise these potentially life-saving skills in a supportive environment.
Nathan said: “As a SCAS Governor, it’s incredibly rewarding to support opportunities like this that help raise awareness, empower local communities, and give people the confidence to act in an emergency.”
He added: “A huge thank you to everyone at the Portsmouth Carers Group for such a warm welcome, your enthusiasm and fantastic engagement throughout the session. Thank you also to Jack for sharing his knowledge, expertise and passion so generously.”
By working with community groups across the region, SCAS is helping more people gain the confidence to respond in an emergency, strengthening community resilience and improving the chances of survival for someone experiencing an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest.