New App To Teach Vital Lifesaving Skills

Education Minister Paul Givan has launched a new app to help children and young people develop confidence in performing Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) and using Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs).

The app complements the Community of Lifesavers Education Programme in schools, which provides teachers with professional learning to deliver vital CPR and AED skills to pupils, along with supporting resources and training equipment.

The app includes real-life survivor stories, interactive quizzes, CPR/AED skill enhancement exercises, and a skills refresh function.

Launching the app at Methodist College, the Minister said: "CPR and AED are critical and potentially lifesaving skills. We know that providing CPR and AED training using the app and within the school curriculum can have a clear and measurable impact on survival rates.

"The app is free, interactive and easily accessible and aims to build children and young people's confidence in developing vital CPR and AED lifesaving skills." The app was funded by the Department of Education and developed by CCEA in partnership with the Northern Ireland Ambulance service.

The Minister continued: "I encourage all schools and their young people to download and make use of this free app. We know that survival rates are higher when people learn the skills and are better prepared to perform CPR and use defibrillators."

Speaking on the launch of the Community of Lifesavers App, Gerry Campbell, Chief Executive of CCEA, said: "We're delighted to bring this lifesaving app to young people, families and teachers across Northern Ireland. CCEA places young people at the heart of its work, taking their needs and behaviours into account when designing and delivering new initiatives.

"This app provides opportunities through a digital platform to reinforce knowledge and skills already learnt in schools at Key Stage 3, enabling students to access this information at any time, in a format that suits them. We hope that the Community of Lifesavers app helps many young people and their families to learn these vital skills now and in the future."

The Community of Lifesavers App is free to download at the App store and Google Play stores for young people, parents/carers and teachers.