PUPILS at a Farnworth high school were taught how to save lives – as part of a campaign to train thousands of young people in resuscitation skills.

Firefighters, the British Heart Foundation (BHF) and North West Ambulance Service launched the campaign to improve survival rates for those who suffer a cardiac arrest to mark European Restart a Heart Day.

In Bolton, the issue is particularly poignant after former Wanderers footballer Fabrice Muamba suffered a cardiac arrest on the pitch. Thanks to quick treatment, he survived the potentially fatal condition.

Crews from Farnworth were at St James’ CE High School training young people in CPR skills using BHF’s Call Push Rescue training equipment. They were among 35,000 schoolchildren across the UK to learn the skills to mark the day.

Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service’s County Fire Officer, Peter O’Reilly, said: “We’re really pleased to be joining the fight for every heartbeat and providing young people across Greater Manchester with basic life-saving skills.

“Our firefighters are trained and experienced in CPR and the use of life-saving equipment such as defibrillators so we want to pass on our skills to as many people as possible to ensure they have the best possible chance at helping to save a life.”

As part of the BHF’s Nation of Lifesavers campaign, the charity has provided every fire station in Greater Manchester with CPR training equipment.

This initiative follows the recent launch of a partnership between the fire service and the ambulance service, in which firefighters respond to cardiac arrests.

Simon Gillespie, Chief Executive at the British Heart Foundation, said: “Survival rates for cardiac arrest are critically low in the North West and far too many lives are lost needlessly because not enough people have the skills and confidence to carry out life saving CPR.

“Sadly, you are most likely to witness a cardiac arrest at home which is why it’s so important that more people are trained and are able to act in that situation. Performing CPR in those vital immediate minutes after a cardiac arrest can, in some cases, double a person’s chance of survival.”