Every student at Lift Broadlands in Keynsham has received lifesaving CPR and defibrillator training, inspired by a 14-year-old pupil who survived a cardiac arrest while playing football.
The school welcomed volunteers from Great Western Air Ambulance Charity (GWAAC) on 15 and 16 October as part of Restart a Heart Day, supporting its ambition to become the UK’s safest school.
The initiative has particular significance for the school community following the experience of Year 10 student Hugo, who suffered a cardiac arrest during a football tournament in June. His mum Rachel, a School Health Assistant who had received CPR training, was among those who rushed to help, performing CPR until others took over and used a defibrillator before the ambulance arrived.
Hugo also received treatment from GWAAC’s Critical Care Team and Dr Glyn Thomas, who attended as a BASICS responder. Now back at school, Hugo has recently started playing golf and hopes to return to football as a goalkeeper in around a year’s time.
“I think it’s really important that everyone knows how to do CPR and use a defibrillator, because you never know when you might need to help someone,” said Hugo. “It’s great that all my mates at school are learning these skills too.”
Learning to save lives
During the two-day programme, pupils learnt how to recognise a cardiac arrest, perform CPR and use an automated external defibrillator (AED). Interactive sessions included practising chest compressions on manikins, helping students develop the confidence to act quickly in an emergency.
Mr Dan Jackson, Associate Assistant Principal for Community and Health at Lift Broadlands, said, “Following Hugo’s cardiac arrest earlier this year, it was vital that our school took direct action. We have been raising awareness all week through whole-school assemblies and listening to Hugo courageously share his personal story, alongside hosting a ‘Wear Green for GWAAC’ day.
“Rounding off the week on Restart a Heart Day with every student receiving defibrillator and CPR training is a huge milestone in our ambition to make Lift Broadlands the UK’s safest school.”
Rachel added, “When Hugo suffered a cardiac arrest, every second counted, and I’m incredibly grateful to everyone who helped save his life. It’s great to see every student at Lift Broadlands learning these skills. You never know when you might need them, and having the confidence to act could make all the difference.”
Kate Amor, Education Lead at GWAAC, praised the students’ enthusiasm and said the training would help build a lifesaving community in Keynsham.
With fewer than 10% of people surviving an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest, the charity stresses the importance of early CPR and defibrillation.
GWAAC’s Heartstarters Volunteers trained more than 7,000 schoolchildren in 2025 through its Great Western Hearts programme.
For more information, visit greatwesternairambulance.com/what-we-do/education/.
