Staff at the Daily Echo became the latest team to be trained in life-saving CPR skills thanks to a visit from Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance (HIOWAA). 

Trainers from the charity brought their CPR Skills for Life training to our offices in Ocean Village. 

Supporter Engagement Officer Lucy Butcher helped editorial and IT staff brush up on their first aid skills and learn how to carry out chest compressions and use a defibrillator. 

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Cardiac arrests are the most called to incidents for air ambulance critical care teams. There are 30,000 out of hospital cardiac arrests each year and around 80 per cent of them occur at home. 

Fewer than one in ten survive an out of hospital cardiac arrest and for every minute that someone is in cardiac arrest without receiving CPR and early defibrillation, their chance of survival decreases by ten per cent.

Early defibrillation within three to five minutes of collapse can increase survival rates by between 50 and 70 per cent. 

This is why HIOWAA is on a mission to boost the confidence of as many members of the public as possible to begin basic life support when they see someone collapse.

Their CPR Skills for Life sessions are delivered to corporate groups, community groups, schools and youth groups by members of critical care teams or Basic Life Support Instructor trained staff and volunteers.

(Image: HIOWAA) More than 600 people have already learned how to assess a patient, call for help, how to perform effective chest compressions on a training manikin, and how to use a defibrillator.

Lucy told the Daily Echo: "I'm so passionate about this and am happy to anyone and everyone these skills. 

"Four minutes is the crucial time to start CPR to give the person the best chance and you never know when you might be called upon to help a loved one or even a stranger.

"You really can make a difference. You are the lifesavers until we arrive."

The sessions last up to one hour and are completely free. 

Learn more at hiowaa.org/cpr/