Only 51% of people in the UK say they would be able to perform CPR if a loved one had a sudden cardiac arrest in front of them. We have been on a mission to change this.
A life-threatening emergency
So far this year (2025), our Critical Care Team have responded to 212 cardiac arrests: a life-threatening emergency caused by a dangerous abnormal heart rhythm, known as an arrhythmia.
Cardiac arrests can happen to anyone, anywhere and at anytime. Thanks to the support of our community, our crew can deliver specialist pre-hospital care in a patient’s home, at their workplace or at the roadside – giving them the best chance of survival and recovery.
But, you don’t need to wear a flight suit or fly a helicopter to make a life-saving difference.
Doctor Jen Hine participating in a simulation with a training mannequin.
Our mission
There are approximately 30,000 out of hospital cardiac arrests in the UK each year – tragically, fewer than 1 in 10 survive. For every minute someone is in cardiac arrest without receiving CPR and having a defibrillator used on them, their chance of survival decreases by 10%.
However, early intervention within those first crucial minutes can mean the difference between life or death.
In September (2024), we launched our life-saving programme – CPR Skills for Life – with the aim to boost the confidence of our community to begin basic life support when they see someone collapse. In that time more than 2,000 supporters have learnt vital skills.
The free session, which can be brought to corporate groups, community groups and schools and youth groups, are delivered by our Basic Life Support Instructor trained staff and volunteers. Leading the team is Supporter Engagement Officer, Lucy Butcher:
“We have been overwhelmed by the response we’ve had from the public since we first launched our CPR Skills for Life programme in September (2024).
“Training supporters of all ages and backgrounds – from young farmers, to corporate partners and past patients – it has been incredibly heartwarming to see how determined our community have been to learn life-saving skills.
“To know that there are people in our region out there today who now feel confident enough to help someone in need because of us, makes me feel extremely proud.” – Lucy Butcher
Life-saving skills
From young farmers to golfers, and journalists to local Mayors, the team have been delivering sessions across the region – to those of all ages and abilities.
The sessions equip supporters with vital skills including how to assess a patient, perform effective chest compressions and how to use a defibrillator. As well as addressing the misconceptions between a heart attack and a cardiac arrest and how to help the emergency services find you when calling for help.
One team who are incredibly passionate about the importance of CPR are the Medstead Badminton group – after one of their members desperately needed the life-saving care of our crew following a cardiac arrest.
“Lucy and Mick gave an excellent presentation about the importance of CPR and demonstrating how it should be done alongside the use of a defibrillator.
Many of those that attended had a go at CPR and taking the instruction given by the defibrillator.” – Ian Jurd
Hear from our new life-savers
“As a club, we are pleased our members now feel more confident in what might be a scary situation. We are now armed with more information on what to do.” – Young Farmers, Brockenhurst
“The Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance team delivered informative, engaging training on how to deliver CPR and use of a defibrillator. I feel so much more confident and would recommend to everyone.” – Quilter Southampton
“Thank you so much – what a great job bringing the community together. Having never tried this before, I am so pleased this event was put on.” – Noadswood School
You can make a difference
By learning these life-saving skills, you could be there for someone like Julian.
In April (2024), Julian suffered a cardiac arrest at his desk at the University of Southampton. Fortunately, he was surrounded by his medical professional colleagues who rushed to his aid – beginning CPR and dialing 999.
Thanks to their quick thinking, Julian was receiving life-saving care almost immediately.
Our Critical Care Team arrived on scene within 11 minutes of the call coming in and performed a pre-hospital emergency anaesthetic – an intervention that usually only takes place in hospital – but can be delivered by our specialist team.
Learn more about how support from people like you has given Julian a second chance at life.
Julian, pictured above with his family.
Become a life-saver
Anyone, anywhere can be a life-saver. Speak to a member of the team to find out more and sign up to a CPR Skills for Life session today.
