February is Heart Month and I was delighted to sponsor and support British Heart Foundation (BHF) Scotland’s Holyrood campaign launch.

BHF is encouraging everyone to learn lifesaving cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) using its first-of-a-kind RevivR free online training. In only 15-minutes each of us can learn how to save a life. All that’s needed is a mobile phone and a firm cushion.

There are around 3,100 out of hospital cardiac arrests in Scotland every year. A cardiac arrest can happen to anyone at any time and knowing what to do in those crucial moments could make the difference between life and death. Sadly, just one in ten people survive. However, early CPR and defibrillation can more than double survival rates.

RevivR teaches how to recognise a cardiac arrest, gives feedback on chest compressions and correct defibrillator use, giving anyone the confidence to step in and save a life in the event of the ultimate medical emergency. For decades BHF has worked hard to save lives, from its dogged campaign over 20 years on organ donation, to pursuit of equal treatment for women with heart disease and encouraging people to learn CPR. I’ve been involved in each of those efforts, raising them in the Scottish Parliament.

BHF currently funds more than £53 million of research at ten Scottish universities entirely through public donations, with scientists working to find the breakthroughs needed to help those affected by heart and circulatory diseases.

Over the last 60 years, research has turned ideas that once seemed like science fiction into reality. And while the 19% reduction in coronary heart disease (CHD) deaths in Scotland over the past decade is welcome, there were still 7,048 Scottish deaths last year in which CHD, the most common heart illness, was the underlying cause.

Of Scotland’s 32 local authority areas, North Ayrshire has the fourth highest heart disease mortality, which will only decline if we continue working to reduce risk factors, such as poor diet and smoking.

I’m pleased therefore that the SNP Government’s “Heart Disease Action Plan,” described as “laudable” by Dr David Murdoch, consultant cardiologist at Queen Elizabeth University Hospital Glasgow, included minimising “preventable heart disease by improving the detection, diagnosis and management of risk factor conditions” as its top priority.

Community defibrillator availability is important. Every minute lost awaiting CPR reduces survivability following a cardiac arrest by 10%, and defibrillators double the chance of survival.

Last August, a man suffered a heart attack whilst awaiting a train at Dalry station. Fortunately, the train driver witnessed it and informed the passengers. A doctor stepped off and performed CPR, while two other passengers ran to Dalry Cross for a defibrillator, before the ambulance arrived shortly after. The patient fully recovered, thanks to the quick reaction of everyone who helped and the defibrillator’s availability. I am pleased one has now been installed at Dalry station.

Increasing the number of people training in CPR, use and installation of more defibrillators remain vital.

For free online training visit https://www.bhf.org.uk/how-you-can-help/how-to-save-a-life/how-to-do-cpr/learn-cpr-in-15-minutes