London MP calls on the capital to learn life-saving skills

The MP for Westminster has officially joined the growing team of London Lifesavers – the band of people across the capital who are trained by experts from London Ambulance Service in essential life-saving skills.

Nickie Aiken, Conservative MP for Cities of London and Westminster, was given a comprehensive training session in emergency life support at Westminster Ambulance Station during a recent visit to the meet the team. This included how to recognise signs of a cardiac arrest, put an unconscious person in the recovery position, perform chest compressions and use a defibrillator.

London Ambulance Service’s London Lifesavers campaign aims to improve people’s chances of surviving an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest by equipping Londoners with the knowledge and confidence to act in an emergency situation until ambulance crews arrive. Evidence shows that in cardiac arrest, every second counts and early chest compressions and defibrillation can more than double someone’s chances of survival.

Nickie Aiken, MP for Cities of London and Westminster, said:

“I was pleased to meet colleagues from London Ambulance Service and hear how as the busiest ambulance service in the country, they are working day in, day out to keep us safe and healthy.

“It’s so important everyone knows how to use a defibrillator. They can save lives. Thank you to the team for helping me brush up on my CPR and defibrillator skills.

“I’d urge all my constituents and Londoners to sign up to become a London Lifesaver to make our community a safer place to live and work.”

Nickie was introduced to Sam Palfreyman-Jones, LAS’s Head of First Responders, as well as Victoria Geary, Community Resuscitation Trainer, who provided the training.

Samantha Palfreyman-Jones, Head of First Responders, said:

“I’d like to thank Nickie for taking part in this training today and encouraging people to learn these simple life-saving skills.

“These emergencies can be extremely daunting, but learning CPR is easy and could help save the life of someone you love.

“I’d urge everyone to help London become a city of lifesavers by registering as a London Lifesaver today.”

LAS’s London Lifesavers scheme equips Londoners with the knowledge and confidence to act in an emergency situation until ambulance crews arrive at the scene.

There are lots of ways to get involved and become a London Lifesaver, including opportunities for organisations, communities and workplaces.

These include:

• Enrolling on a London Ambulance Service emergency life support training course aimed at groups and individuals
• Signing up communities or large organisations to a London Lifesaver ‘train the trainer programme’ (where we teach one person in the group who can then pass that training on)
• Attending a free public pop up training session delivered by members of our community resus team.

The London Lifesavers initiative is funded by the London Ambulance Charity thanks to a grant received by NHS Charities Together and the support of our donors.

You can learn how to become a London Lifesaver here.