Community First Responders and Paramedics gave lessons in mending broken hearts over the Valentine’s weekend as they set up bite-size CPR courses in one of the largest shopping centres in the centre of Norwich.

As shoppers flocked to Castle Mall in the centre of Norwich, they discovered that the Norfolk Responders had taken over the former Disney Store. Tempting the shoppers inside was the continual demonstration of CPR in the shop window and, throughout the entire weekend, visitors to the store were able to undertake a five-minute CPR course and the offer of a health check. They also found out about the valuable role that CFR’s play, how to train and to become part of a scheme in their area.
Film clips were shown on large screens which depicted the real life rescue on Bondi beach, where a defibrillator was used successfully to resuscitate a surfer and, in contrast, Mr Bean’s attempts at CPR!.

Children also learned to perform CPR and, whilst waiting for their parents, enjoyed colouring ambulances or Ronnie the Responder before purchasing their own souvenir Ronnie merchandise!

Norfolk Responder Manager Andrew Barlow, who organised the event with the Norfolk events team, said: “It was hugely successful; we had hundreds of people learning life-saving CPR skills over the weekend as well as lots of queries about becoming a Responder. Responders play such an important role in their community and the event really brought that message home to the general public as well as hopefully encouraging them to join a local scheme in their area.” 
 

Pictures from the event