People across Wales invited to help "Fill Our Communities with Lifesavers" this Restart A Heart Live
Free nationwide CPR and defibrillator awareness event returns on 1 October 2026
People across Wales are being invited to take part in Restart A Heart Live 2026, a free interactive livestream teaching CPR and defibrillator awareness skills that could help save a life.
Taking place on Thursday 1 October, the event is open to schools, colleges, workplaces, community groups, families and individuals. Sessions are available in Welsh and English and can be accessed from classrooms or homes without specialist equipment, with participants encouraged to practise using a cushion, folded jacket or teddy bear.
More than 40,000 people experience an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest in the UK each year, yet fewer than one in ten survive. Immediate bystander CPR and early use of a defibrillator can more than double a person's chance of survival.
More than 400 schools across Wales have already registered to take part, with organisers encouraging even more schools and communities to sign up and help create a generation confident to act in an emergency.
The importance of learning CPR is highlighted by the recent survival of Swansea dad Jay McCreary, who suffered a cardiac arrest at home. His wife, Lauren McCreary, immediately called 999 and began CPR with guidance from Welsh Ambulance Service call-handler Gemma Clarke until ambulance crews arrived, helping give Jay the best possible chance of survival and recovery.
Restart A Heart Live is delivered by ambulance services and leading resuscitation organisations from across the UK, supporting the shared ambition of ensuring every young person has access to lifesaving education.
Julie Starling, Clinical Out of Hospital Cardiac Arrest Programme Manager for the Welsh Ambulance Service, said:
"Every year, thousands of people in Wales experience an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest but knowing what to do in those first few minutes can make all the difference. With more than 80% of cardiac arrests happening at home, having the confidence and skills to perform CPR is more important than ever.
The survival story of Jay McCreary is a powerful reminder that ordinary people can do extraordinary things when they have the confidence to act.
“Restart A Heart Live gives children, young people and communities across Wales the opportunity to learn simple lifesaving skills in just 15 minutes that could one day help save the life of a loved one, friend or neighbour."
Live sessions will run throughout the day with content tailored to different age groups. Schools unable to join live can still register to access recorded sessions.
Schools, teachers, workplaces and local communities are being encouraged to support the campaign and help ensure as many people as possible benefit from this year's event.
Let's get Everyone CPR Ready.
Register at www.restartaheart.live
