By Michelle Crean

World Restart a Heart Day takes place on Saturday, October 16 and a local group plan to teach school children some important life-saving techniques.

Killarney Cardiac Response Unit (KCRU) plan to hold CPR and AED demonstrations, have a school "chain of survival" art display, and will launch of a Heart of Ireland AED phonebox promo video.

"We are running an event at the Anam Centre, East Avenue on October 16," Kevin O'Leary, Scheme Coordinator with KCRU, told the Killarney Advertiser. "We are restricted with COVID, however there is outdoor space and we will reserve parking."

The European Restart a Heart Day was founded with the support of the European Parliament and takes place on October 16 every year. This year the focus is on survivors with the hashtag #CPRSavedMyLife.

"With this campaign we want to create awareness that everyone can learn CPR and facilitate Basic Life Support courses in schools and public locations."

He added that the aim of this project is to raise awareness on what to do in an emergency and the steps to save a life following cardiac arrest.

"We have aimed this project at Fifth and Sixth Class although we would encourage all students to learn about 999/112 and knowing Eircode. A winner from each school will receive a prize pack; bag, art supplies, mini First Aid kit sponsored by local and national businesses. The main winner will receive a more substantial prize including a large art pack."

A selection of the art will be displayed at the Anam Centre for the Restart a Heart event on the day.

"In addition a selection of the art will be uploaded on social media platforms and our website. The art competition is focused around the chain of survival, and what students best present their interpretation of the links in the chain."