Restart a Heart Live 2025: Record-breaking broadcast trains 132,000 in CPR, edging closer to a nation of UK lifesavers
A landmark national initiative has delivered hands-on CPR (cardio-pulmonary resuscitation) training to more than 132,000 children and adults across the UK, smashing last year’s Guinness World Record for the most viewers of a CPR lesson on YouTube Live.
This extraordinary effort represents one of the world’s largest coordinated CPR education events and advances the ambition to turn every UK citizen into a potential lifesaver.
The 12-hour Restart a Heart Live 2025 marathon, broadcast in October, was streamed directly into schools and community venues via YouTube Live and Microsoft Teams.
It featured age-appropriate demonstrations, expert instruction, and presentations led by young people themselves.
Pupils took part in 15–20-minute interactive sessions designed to build confidence and encourage immediate action in an emergency.
Liam Sagi, National Strategic Lead for Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest at the Association of Ambulance Chief Executives (AACE), said: “Eight out of ten cardiac arrests happen at home, so we must equip the public to step in and perform CPR as part of everyday citizenship.
"AACE is proud of the cross-UK partnerships that made RSAH Live 2025 possible. We know from experience how vital early intervention is. This year’s campaign was about more than statistics, it was about inspiring a new generation to act decisively and save lives.”
The mass training was delivered through a ground-breaking collaboration between AACE, Save a Life for Scotland, Save a Life Cymru, Resuscitation Council UK, and the Scottish Ambulance Service, working alongside partners and stakeholders nationwide.
Originally conceived by Scottish Ambulance Service paramedic Lee Myers, the initiative has evolved into a powerful UK-wide movement. It continues to tackle stubbornly low CPR training rates and empower communities to boost survival chances following cardiac arrest.
Professor Len Nokes, Independent Senior Advisor for OHCA at Save a Life Cymru, added: "This year’s success proves what we can achieve when we come together with a shared mission.
"Restart a Heart Live is more than an annual campaign, it’s a movement for change. We urge all schools and communities in Wales and beyond to take part next year and be part of this lifesaving legacy."
Dr Gareth Clegg of Save a Life for Scotland said: "Scotland is proud to stand shoulder to shoulder with partner organisations across the UK to build CPR confidence in our young people.
"Restart a Heart Live is an ambitious and impactful campaign aiming to engage with one million people by 2027.
"Every child who learns CPR becomes a potential lifesaver and we’re one step closer to our goal of creating a nation where everyone has the confidence to act in an emergency."
James Cant, Chief Executive, Resuscitation Council UK, commented: “Restart a Heart Live 2025 has shown the incredible power of people coming together with one shared goal - to save lives.
"Every young person who learns CPR becomes a spark of hope in their community, capable of making a life-changing difference when it matters most. Resuscitation Council UK is proud to have supported this record-breaking campaign, proving that when we act together, we can build a future where everyone has the confidence to save a life.”
Steven Short, OHCA Programme Lead, Scottish Ambulance Service, added: "We know that increased survival rates can occur where bystander CPR is given quickly - and that starts with awareness and training, not least of children and young people.
"The Scottish Ambulance Service is proud to continue to support Restart a Heart Live, and we encourage more schools to get involved in 2026 right across the UK. Together, we are making real progress in creating a nation of lifesavers.”
With this year’s achievements setting a new benchmark, the Restart a Heart collaboration is now calling on all UK schools and community groups to help build a nation of lifesavers by registering their interest for Restart a Heart Live 2026 and helping equip the next generation with vital lifesaving skills. For more information visit www.restartaheart.live.