MORE than a dozen people are now better prepared to save a life if called upon, thanks to free community CPR training.

The sessions, hosted by North Swindon MP Justin Tomlinson, saw staff from the Orbital retail park and members of the public simulate the actions necessary in the event of a cardiac arrest with the help of expert trainers.

Some 30,000 people have an out of hospital cardiac arrest each year in the UK, but the survival rate is less than one in 10. This means that 27,500 people a year are dying from heart attacks, some of whom could be saved if more people knew CPR.

The British Heart Foundation's 'Re-Start the Heart' campaign looks to address a shortfall in knowledge by providing basic training to ordinary members of the public.

After completing the training package himself, Justin said: "I was really glad to be able to host the BHF as they carried out two important training sessions.

"I found my dad when I was aged 12 after he had suffered a cardiac arrest. Unfortunately, he didn't make it, but it has made me want to make sure that as many people as possible across the country are taught how to save a life.

"That's why I have worked with the BHF over the last 10 years to campaign to create a nation of lifesavers."

Also joining members of the public being put through their paces was Garry Perkins, councillor and Swindon Borough Council cabinet member.

Coun Perkins said he had been inspired to come along and learn CPR after experiencing a personal tragedy of his own a few years ago.

Returning from a council meeting to his home, Coun Perkins found that his wife had suffered a major cardiac arrest. Sadly, on that occasion, there was nothing that could be done to save her life.

Now remarried, Coun Perkins said he wanted to be in a position that should he ever be first on the scene in the event of a cardiac emergency, he would know what to do.

Before the public got to grips with the CPR training dummies, it was the turn of the Orbital staff.

Site manager, Jamie Turner, explained why he was so keen to ensure his team were fully up to speed with the actions required.

"We have over seven million visitors per year to the Orbital and it's very important that we have trained staff on site at all times," said Jamie.

"However it's just as important to have this personal training as we'll all unfortunately have a friend, family member, or work colleague who will suffer a heart attack in our lifetime.

"Having this basic training is very important - 45 minutes of training could help save someone's life."

The BHF partners with companies and other organisations to deliver their CPR training package. Schools can apply for free training kits complete with enough dummies to train whole classes.

For more information, visit www.bhf.org.uk