A major new initiative to increase the availability of basic life support training in Welsh schools may be needed according to a recent report by the Welsh government.

It investigated the matter and found little basic life support training among Welsh teachers. Access to defibrillators was also sorely lacking. Over £2m will be investing in installing the life saving equipment in ambulances across Wales and more funds have been earmarked for basic life training and equipment in schools.

Heart charities in Wales welcomed the news. Ruth Coombs, head of the British Heart Foundation Cymru said the organisation was working with schools to teach basic life support skills: “We are working with schools and local authorities across Wales to sign up more schools.”

Welsh schools are not the only places set to benefit from improved access to basic life support skills and defibrillators. A street pastor organisation in Tavistock, south west England, has also installed the equipment in the town’s Bedford Hotel, ready to use in the event of an emergency.

Rob Palmer, head of the Tavistock Street Palmers, said: “Of course, the ambulance service should be called immediately on 999 in any emergency, but for anyone suffering a heart attack, their best chance of survival is when they receive basic life support within three minutes to restore normal heart rhythm.”

Excellent equipment must also be matched by the right training. A good healthcare training provider with experience in teaching basic life support can help offer the right solution for organisations and individuals, helping to save lives in the process.