Royal Primary Care supports CPR at Barrow Hill

Royal Primary Care (RPC)* are proud to support the community instillation of a new defibrillator in Barrow Hill, organised in memory of Jordan Smitheman who sadly passed away in 2023 due to an asthma attack.

The event - held in December 2024 - included a memorial service, and arrangements for future CPR training session aimed at raising awareness of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and respiratory conditions.

The family of Jordan, who believe that increased access to defibrillators and improved cardiovascular care could have made a difference, have spearheaded this initiative.

Their fundraising efforts have made this event possible, and they hope to educate the community on the importance of early intervention and proper training in life-saving techniques.

Dr Alice Fenton, a GP at Royal Primary Care, said: "We are deeply moved by the family's dedication to raising awareness about cardiovascular and respiratory health. This event is a testament to their strength and commitment to making a positive impact in our community. We hope that through this initiative, we can help prevent future tragedies and improve health outcomes for everyone".

“CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation) is a crucial life-saving technique. Immediate CPR can double or triple a person's chance of survival after cardiac arrest. However, in the UK, there are over 30,000 out-of-hospital cardiac arrests each year, with a survival rate of less than 1 in 10. By increasing CPR training and awareness, we can significantly improve survival rates and outcomes – so I’d like to pass my formal appreciation to the family for these efforts.”

Cardiovascular disease remains a leading cause of death globally. In the UK, heart and circulatory diseases cause around 170,000 deaths each year, which is more than 460 deaths every day. Additionally, there are approximately 7.6 million people living with heart and circulatory diseases in the UK. These statistics highlight the critical need for increased awareness and education on cardiovascular health.

 By increasing CPR training and awareness, we can significantly improve survival rates and outcomes. 

We encourage everyone to participate in CPR training and become equipped with the skills to save lives. Your involvement can make a difference in emergency situations and help prevent future tragedies. Join us in raising awareness and promoting cardiovascular health in our community.

*RPC stands for Royal Primary Care, which is part of the Chesterfield Royal Hospital NHS Foundation Trust. Royal Primary Care provides primary care services across several sites in Chesterfield and Derbyshire, serving around 50,000 patients. They offer a range of services including general practice, specialist care, and community health initiatives.

ENDS