THE ambulance service is inviting members of the public to learn lifesaving CPR in Poole.

South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust (SWASFT) will issue the training at a free community event as part of Restart a Heart Day.

The event will take place at The Dolphin shopping centre on Wednesday, October 16, between 9am and 4pm.

Members of team SWASFT, including paramedics, emergency care assistants, volunteer community first responders and representatives of the Volunteering and Community Services Department, will be on hand to answer any questions and share their extensive knowledge.

There will be in-depth CPR demonstrations for members of the public to join and take part in. Certificates will be given to everyone who completes the 15-minute CPR sessions.

David Sale, volunteering and community service officer at SWASFT, who is based in Bournemouth, said: “We are excited to be hosting Restart a Heart Day in Poole for the third year running, this is a fantastic opportunity for the people of Poole to come and learn vital lifesaving skills like CPR.

“We want people in our community to know what to do if someone suffers a premature cardiac arrest, and know how to perform CPR correctly, the sooner CPR is started the greater chance someone has of survival. By hosting events like these on Restart a Heart Day we hope to educate and spread awareness of the importance of CPR.

“People of all ages and abilities are welcome and will be encouraged to take part in all the fun, interactive activities on offer. With a big thanks to Dolphin Shopping Centre for hosting this event.”