We are sent to 999 calls within our local community and on average arrive 9 minutes before an ambulance. For life threatening situations such as when someone's heart stops every minute counts to increase their chance of survival. Below is a summary of our activity in 2024:

If you would like to help, please consider donating - our entire running costs are dependent on your generosity. We receive no funding from the Government or the NHS and none of our volunteers are paid for their time training or attending jobs.

We are always on the lookout for new members. No previous experience or qualifications are needed as all training is provided by the West Midlands Ambulance Service training academy. Our membership is made up of individuals of all ages and from a variety of different professions and backgrounds.

If that sounds like something you would like to be part of then please get in touch using the form below. We look forward to meeting you!

Performing or witnessing CPR can be a shocking and traumatic event, especially if it includes a loved one and many find it hard to going through such a life changing event. You might feel new emotions and are unsure how to process what happened. Even medical professionals with years of training can be affected. This is understandable and it's important to look after yourself. This might involve taking a break from work if you can. Speaking to people like friends and family may help, but you may also need to talk to someone professional, to help you process what happened.

By calling 999 or starting CPR you've done the best possible thing to help. However, depending on the cause of the cardiac arrest (when someone stops breathing) some people won't survive even if they've had treatment from paramedics. After performing CPR it's very common to have feelings of guilt, especially if the person doesn't survive. Afterwards people often think: what if I'd done it for longer, what if I'd started earlier, what if I'd put my hands in different places...? But there are so many variables that it's not just performing CPR that determines the outcome.

If someone you know has performed CPR, ask them how they're feeling. Listen to what they're telling you and give them an opportunity to express everything they need to. Try again as they might not want to talk in week one, but want to talk in week five, and there might be other things on top like grief, which is a complicated process. But just checking in with them is a great thing to do.

Please explore the resources below that are designed to offer guidance, understanding and support as you navigate your own recovery journey. If you start experiencing symptoms significantly impacting your quality of life, please make an appointment to see your GP.

This BHF information page explains the different outcomes of a CPR, covers details on Do Not Attempt CPR (DNACPR) and extensive support for your emotional wellbeing after performing a CPR: https://www.bhf.org.uk/informationsupport/support/support-if-youve-given-cpr

BHF's Heart Helpline connects you to a qualified nurse and offers you a place to share your experience and receive guidance on your cardiac arrest recovery journey. Call 0808 802 1234 and the nurses are available to speak on weekdays 09:00 to 17:00. You can also write to them at hearthelpline@bhf.org.uk or chat online: https://www.bhf.org.uk/informationsupport/heart-helpline

Sudden Arrhythmic Death UK (SADS UK) assists people who have witnessed or carried out CPR by providing the opportunity to speak with qualified counsellors and arranging peer support: https://www.sadsuk.org.uk/living-cardiac-condition.html

Chain of Survival co-survivor group where you can share your journey, get advice, and lean on others who truly understand your situation: https://suddencardiacarrestuk.org/get-involved/join-us/

Talk to others who have given CPR by reaching out to Resuscitation Council UK and join our Cardiac Arrest Survivors and Co-Survivors Forum: communications@resus.org.uk

Information for members of the public who have performed CPR from Yorkshire Ambulance Service and Resuscitation Council UK: https://www.yas.nhs.uk/news/media-releases/media-releases-2022/support-for-members-of-the-public-who-have-performed-cpr/

If you have a question about our organisation or would like to get in touch, please fill out the form below and a team member will get back to you