MEMBERS of the public are invited to get to the heart of a very specific health problem at a special event at Blackpool Victoria Hospital next week.
Experts from the hospital will be in the main entrance on Monday, June 6 between 9am and 3pm to raise awareness of heart rhythm disorders (arrhythmias) by offering free health checks.
Everyone is welcome to attend and the aim is to provide education and information to the public about arrhythmias.
Arrhythmia Nurse Specialists Helen Braidwood and Rebecca Hibbert will be there offering pulse checks to help identify members of the public who may have an arrhythmia and to show people how to check their own pulse at home.
Patrick Higgins, Clinical Resuscitation Officer, will also be there to provide demonstrations on how to perform lifesaving CPR and how use an automated external defibrillator (AED).
Resuscitation Team Patrick Higgins
Helen said: “Performing CPR and using a defibrillator can increase sudden cardiac arrest survival from 5% to more than 50% which is why it is important that we raise awareness of these devices and help to give people the confidence to use them.
“The day will be a fantastic opportunity for members of the public to learn more about heart rhythm disorders and to gain valuable life-saving skills.
“We would welcome and encourage as many people as possible to attend on the day.”