Shailesh Vara MP recently attended a Parliamentary reception hosted by the British Heart Foundation (BHF), where he learned about the lifesaving skill of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). 

The charitable organisation was promoting RevivR, an online tool which teaches CPR in 15 minutes. The free, interactive course also provides information on how to use a defibrillator, and can be accessed from any phone or tablet.    

 At the event, Mr Vara spoke with experts, volunteers, and survivors of heart failure to learn more about the difference knowledge of CPR can make in people’s lives. He also had a chance to practice CPR and receive live feedback from the RevivR tool. 

Following the visit, Mr Vara said:  

“In the UK, over 7 million people have a heart or circulatory condition. With our population growing and ageing, the BHF estimate that this number will rise further still, so it is more important than ever to raise awareness among the public about CPR and defibrillator use. 

“It is excellent news that the BHF are working hard to make that training so accessible. A cardiac arrest can happen to anyone, so it is crucial that people feel confident stepping in to save lives if the worst should happen.” 

Photo: Shailesh Vara MP with Henry Tyrrell, Senior Public Affairs Officer at the British Heart Foundation.