(Image: submitted)
MORE than 250 Year 9 students at Prince Henry’s Grammar School have been trained in CPR and the use of defibrillators as part of a national campaign aimed at improving survival rates from cardiac arrest.
A total of 255 pupils took part in a comprehensive training event at the Otley school on October 16 as part of Restart a Heart Day, an initiative led by the Resuscitation Council UK and regional emergency services.
Prince Henry's Grammar School pupils learn CPR skills during the Restart a Heart Day (Image: submitted)
Medical professionals from the Yorkshire Ambulance Service delivered practical workshops, teaching students how to recognise the signs of a cardiac arrest, perform chest compressions and understand the safe use of an automated external defibrillator (AED).
One of the visiting paramedics was former Prince Henry’s student Chris Kenworthy, who returned to his old school to help deliver the training.
Chris said: “Returning to Prince Henry’s to deliver this training has been a very proud moment for me. When I sat in these very classrooms as a Year 9 student myself, I never could have anticipated that I’d be coming back one day as a paramedic to teach the next generation how to save a life.
“Seeing 255 young individuals engage so seriously with CPR highlights the massive impact this initiative has. Cardiac arrests can happen anywhere, at any time, and giving these students the confidence to step in during those vital first few minutes will undeniably save lives in our community.”
Prince Henry's Grammar School pupils learn CPR skills during the Restart a Heart Day (Image: submitted)
Headteacher Sally Bishop praised pupils for their engagement throughout the day.
She said: “We are immensely proud of our Year 9 students for the maturity and enthusiasm they showed throughout the day.
“At Prince Henry's, our vision is to ensure our young people flourish both academically and as responsible members of the wider community. Partnering with the ambulance service for Restart a Heart Day provides our pupils with vital, real-world skills that empower them to make a real difference.”
Prince Henry's Grammar School pupils learn CPR skills during the Restart a Heart Day (Image: submitted)
One Year 9 pupil said the training had given them confidence to act in an emergency.
They said: “Before today, I wouldn't have known what to do if someone suddenly collapsed. Learning exactly how hard to press during CPR and watching the video demonstration on how an AED works was really reassuring.
“It feels amazing to know that my classmates and I now have the skills to help save someone's life if we ever need to.”
The event forms part of the school’s ongoing commitment to student wellbeing and community safety, helping ensure more young people are prepared to respond calmly and effectively in a medical emergency.
Prince Henry's Grammar School pupils learn CPR skills during the Restart a Heart Day (Image: submitted)