There are approximately 3,200 out of hospital cardiac arrests in Scotland each year and only 64% receive by-stander CPR our aim is to help increase this to 85%.

HeartStart training teaches basic emergency life support in both schools and the community and is free of charge.

HeartStart Training strengthens the first vital links of the ’chain of survival’: early recognition, calling for help, early CPR to buy time and early defibrillation to restart the heart.

The 2 hour training covers:

  • Placing the unconsious casualty in the recovery position

  • Recognition of a suspected heart attack

  • Cardiac arrest and awareness of a defibrillator

  • Dealing with a severe bleed

  • What to do if an adult, child or baby is choking

We have Heartstart groups covering a large area of Argyll and Bute, areas and contact details are below:

Isle of Bute - Margaret Kilpatrick

Cowal - Steve Abbott or Tracey Whitfield

Gigha - Morven Andrew

Helensburgh and Garelochside Rotary Club - Sheenah Nelson

Ile Agus Diura (Islay and Jura) - Joe Hughes

Kintyre - vacant position at present

Lorn and Islands - Frances Parkinson

Mull - Gerry Ralston

Ross of Mull and Iona - Stewart MacDougall  

Tarbert - Cathanna Smith

Portavadie - Lindsay Thomas

Tiree- Willie MacKinnon 

For Kintyre, Lochgoilhead, Furnace, Cairndow, Inveraray, ‘Lochgilphead to Tarbert’, and ‘Lochgilphead to Oban’, Isle of Coll, Colonsay, Lismore, ‘Dalmally to Oban’, Luing and Kerrera please contact ggc.heartstart.resuscitation@nhs.scot who will pass on the request to the appropriate group.