According to BIMA, British Muslim communities face higher rates of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and physical inactivity compared to the general population. This, unfortunately, translates to poorer outcomes from cardiac arrest. Additionally, CPR delivery rates are significantly lower in areas with high ethnic minority populations and socio-economic deprivation. This knowledge gap leaves many individuals unprepared to respond in an emergency, which can potentially result in lives being lost.

Community Resuscitation and Engagement Officer Fiona Larkin, along with two of our Community First Responder volunteers, Jeremy and Andrew, helped train 95 members of our Muslim communities in Greater Manchester alone as part of the initiative on how to do CPR.

Fiona says: “Between Jeremy, Andrew, and me, we held three sessions separately at three different Mosques. Participants of the sessions were really engaged throughout, asking many thoughtful questions about the training. Many commented that the session gave them greater confidence in their ability to respond appropriately in real-life situations.”