EEAST and Peterborough FC join forces to raise CPR awareness

Players from Peterborough United’s first team, women’s team and academy as well as Posh fans were taught CPR and the use of a defibrillator by EEAST’s staff and volunteers at an event at Peterborough United’s Weston Homes Stadium.

The aim of the partnership with Peterborough United and the Peterborough United Foundation is to encourage others to learn basic life support. 

Peterborough United goalkeeper Nicholas Bilokapic [left] and defender Oscar Wallin performing CPR on manikins, with midfielder Kwame Poku watching on (Image: Submitted)

The hope is it will help create an army of lifesavers in Peterborough and across the East of England.

In the UK there are more than 30,000 out-of-hospital cardiac arrests a year where emergency medical services attempt to resuscitate the patient. 

For cardiac arrests outside of hospitals, fewer than 1 in 10 people survive.

Peterborough United striker Tara Kirk is shown CPR by emergency medical technician Holly Martin (Image: Submitted)

Like football, survival from a cardiac arrest is a team effort. 

Liz Elsom, club director at Peterborough United, said: “It is such an incredibly important life skill for everybody to have and it was great that we were able to have representation from so many different teams at the club.

“I think events like this are so important and we will be looking to make these part of our programme for all of our players across the Academy and first team, along with staff, and on a regular basis as well.”

Community First Responder Tony Lucas with Peterborough United defender George Nevett (Image: Submitted)

Jenna Lusk, EDI lead and community manager at Peterborough United Foundation, said:

“It has been incredible to work alongside the club, the Academy and the ambulance service to bring the CPR event to life. 

“Knowing CPR can be the difference between life and death, it is essential that people feel confident to step in when it matters most.”