University of Brighton students saving hearts and lives on Valentine’s Day with 24-hour CPR marathon to raise money for the Air Ambulance

The event, which starts at 9am on Friday 14 February and runs through to 9am on Saturday 15 February, will see students and staff participate in continuous CPR sessions in a bid to raise £10,000 for KSS.

Members of the KSS helicopter medical team and charity volunteers will also be joining in the marathon, which is taking place inside the University of Brighton’s state-of-the-art Paramedic Science Suite at its recently renovated Falmer campus.

Paramedic Science students will also be giving training in CPR on special mannequins to any university staff and students who would like to learn the skill. Students from BSMS have also been invited to take part.

Paramedic Science students demonstrating CPR

The 24-hour sponsored marathon was the brainchild of Paramedic Science student Emily Sammut, who came up with the idea after seeing KSS in action while on placement as part of her course.

Emily said: “Many of us, even as students, have had the opportunity to work alongside KSS on missions and it’s clear how crucial they are as a resource. KSS is largely funded by donations and so we wanted to give back to them so they can continue to do the amazing work they have been doing.

“It has been a goal of mine to set up an event with the aim of bringing together the three paramedic cohorts at Brighton to support an amazing cause. It has been lovely to see us join forces and work to create this outstanding event which has grown bigger and better than I ever imagined and now includes the whole university.

Attempting to complete continuous chest compressions over the 24-hour period is daunting, but it is of vital importance that we raise awareness of the lifesaving difference early recognition and CPR can make in saving lives. I am ever so thankful to everyone who has supported me to make this happen, and to the students and staff who will be taking on this challenge. I am so excited to see this come to fruition on Friday. Bring it on!”.

As well as raising funds for KSS, the University of Brighton students hope to raise awareness of the importance of learning CPR. Over 80% of cardiac arrests happen in the home but, without immediate application of lifesaving measures only one in ten survive. Having someone who can administer CPR while waiting for help can dramatically increase the chances of survival.

Angela Glynn, Dean of the School of Education, Sport and Health Sciences at the University of Brighton, said: “I'm extremely proud of all our students and cannot praise their commitment and determination highly enough. They've worked tirelessly to plan this event and make sure it's as big as possible to help meet their goal of raising £10,000 for this amazing charity.

“University of Brighton paramedic students go on to become some of the most sought after Newly Qualified Paramedics in the country. This is testament to our dedicated and experienced staff who deliver the course, and to the students for their hard work and professionalism – all of which are on show in this event."

The 24-hour sponsored marathon was the brainchild of Paramedic Science student Emily Sammut, who came up with the idea after seeing KSS in action while on placement as part of her course.

Ruby Hunt, Community Fundraiser for Sussex at Air Ambulance Charity Kent Surrey Sussex (KSS) said: “On behalf of Team KSS, I’d like to thank everyone at the University of Brighton for a really great event increasing awareness about the importance of learning CPR and raising vital funds to support the lifesaving work of KSS. As an independent charity we depend on public support. Thanks to your donations we are able to continue flying and saving lives.”

The 24-hour marathon is part of the "Wear red in Feb" campaign to raise awareness of the incredible work that the KSS team do. Participants are encouraged to wear red to show their support for the cause.

Anyone wishing to sponsor the students on their marathon 24 hour CPR can do so on the event JustGiving page.