Learn CPR, act fast, save lives.
When somebody goes into cardiac arrest, early CPR can double their chances of survival. Each year on the 16 October, Restart a Heart Day gives you and everyone in your workplace, home, or school the opportunity to learn or refresh this life-saving skill.
In the UK, over 100 people every day suffer an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest. Sadly, survival rates for these sudden emergencies are low, with fewer than 1 in 10 people surviving*. However, it doesn’t have to be that way.
Led by Resuscitation Council UK, Restart a Heart aims to improve everyone’s chances of surviving cardiac arrests by:
teaching as many people as possible how to do CPR
growing the public’s confidence in how to access and use a defibrillator in an emergency
encouraging organisations and people to register as #resusready to help us understand where more training is needed.
Join a free online or in-person CPR demo this October
Ambulance services and organisations all over the UK are hosting Restart a Heart events throughout October. These practical demonstrations teach you exactly what to do if someone goes into cardiac arrest. It doesn’t take long to learn, but one of these sessions could give you the skills and confidence to save a life one day.
Pop in during any of the times listed to learn or refresh your life-saving skills. Those of all ages are welcome.
Many organisations are running livestreams and other online events if you’d prefer to learn from home.
If you aren’t able to join us this month, don't worry. You can learn first aid with us at any time of the year. Read our online advice, book a free awareness session, or take a course with us.
Explore free online resources
CPR isn’t just about knowing what to do, it’s about the confidence to act.
Restart a Heart’s online resource library is a wonderful place to go to build on that confidence and find answers to any burning questions. You can find leaflets and posters for your office, advice on giving children CPR, videos in a range of languages, and much more.
At St John Ambulance, we also offer a wide range of free first aid resources including accessible and translated resources, and easy-read booklets.
Restart a Heart Live - Thursday 1 October 2026
Be part of something amazing by joining the UK’s biggest live CPR training event.
On Thursday the 1 October 2026, Restart a Heart will run a free livestream event which will teach thousands of viewers how to save a life.
Gather your school, community group, or family, and follow live trainers through chest compressions and using a defibrillator. Last year, over 130,000 people joined, and we’re hoping for even more in 2026.
Help us teach even more people life-saving skills
Your donations help save lives. You can set up a one-off contribution or set up a regular gift.
