A NEW initiative has been launched to teach lifesaving skills in the community.

As part of the project, crews from the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) have been visiting local JobCentres to demonstrate CPR techniques.

Watch manager John Paul, who is SFRS liaison officer for Renfrewshire, East Renfrewshire and Inverclyde, said teaching CPR skills to more people in the community is “vital.”

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He added: “Obtaining these skills means you can be in a position to save a life. It might not happen today or tomorrow but there may be a moment when you are the only person in the room who can intervene. You can make a difference.

“We are here to help and are always happy to show how CPR is carried out.”

Thanks to a pioneering partnership between the SRFS and the British Heart Foundation, members of the public can be taught how to perform CPR at any of Scotland’s fire stations.

In addition to the new initiative, a lifesaving defibrillator has been installed at the SFRS area headquarters in Johnstone, with plans in place to install another at Barrhead Fire Station.

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Mr Paul added: “We displayed CPR techniques at an educational event for primary six children in the Renfrewshire area a few years ago and a teacher who attended the gathering later got in touch to inform us that, the day after the event, a pupil had to use CPR on one of her parents.

“The parent had collapsed but, thankfully, made a full recovery.

“When you get feedback like that, it makes you proud to be a member of the fire service.

“It also shows you that a little knowledge and awareness can make a big difference.”

Anyone who would like to learn CPR skills is welcome to call the SFRS team on 01505 356620.