On Friday 16 October, the University and local community came together for a highly successful Restart a Heart Day at Storey’s Field Centre, Eddington. The event, aimed at increasing awareness of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and the use of automated external defibrillators (AEDs), welcomed people of all ages and backgrounds.
During the day, more than 250 attendees took part in a series of practical workshops designed to build confidence and competence in responding to cardiac emergencies. Experienced trainers guided participants through the key steps of recognising a cardiac arrest, calling for emergency assistance, delivering effective CPR, and using an AED safely and efficiently.
One of the highlights of the event was the hands-on nature of the training. Participants had the opportunity to practise chest compressions on manikins, gaining valuable experience in delivering CPR in a realistic but supportive environment. Many attendees commented on how the workshops helped remove the fear and uncertainty often associated with responding to an emergency.
We really liked the mix of scenario, talk and small group practice. The trainers were very welcoming, enthusiastic and knowledgeable, and really put us at ease.
It is such an important skill to learn, and I now feel so much more confident to step forward to do CPR in an emergency.
Restart a Heart Day participants, October 2026
As part of the day, organisers welcomed 80 children and staff from the University of Cambridge Primary School for a dedicated workshop. The session was filled with enthusiasm as participants learned how to recognise the signs of cardiac arrest, call for help, and perform effective CPR. The children engaged brilliantly with the practical activities, showing great confidence and willingness to develop skills that could one day help save a life.
In the afternoon, Dr Milorad Radakovic, associate teaching professor at the University of Cambridge, spoke to participants about his own experience of needing CPR and expressed his gratitude to his 'Guardian Angels' for saving his life. Four years ago, while giving a talk at an international conference overseas, Dr Radakovic collapsed on stage and went into cardiac arrest. Ten delegates from a range of countries stepped forward to deliver life-saving CPR for more than 25 minutes.
'If you are ever in a situation to do CPR, be brave, be persistent and be confident in what you are doing, and then you may end up as a Guardian Angel one day,' said Dr Radakovic.
Dr Milorad Radakovic, associate teaching professor at the University of Cambridge.
Restart a Heart Day continues to play a vital role in raising awareness of cardiac arrest and empowering ordinary people with extraordinary skills. Every person who learns CPR has the potential to save a life, and Friday’s event ensured that many more individuals left feeling confident and ready to act should the need ever arise.
This is the third year that the University Sports Service has collaborated with the East of England Ambulance Service NHS Trust (EEAST) and EEAST Heart on the event. To date, this partnership has trained over 575 people in CPR.
The event would not be possible without the dedication and enthusiasm of the paramedics and Community First Responders (CFRs) who generously volunteered their time throughout the day. Sharing their knowledge, experiences, and passion for helping others, the responders spoke with attendees about the realities of responding to emergency calls and the vital role they play in supporting patients before an ambulance arrives. Their friendly and approachable nature helped put participants at ease, encouraging people to ask questions and engage fully with the training sessions.
While this was a free event, several participants generously donated to the Cambridge CFR car fundraising page, raising £175 for life-saving equipment; see: justgiving.com
Organisers are also very grateful to the team at Storey’s Field Centre and Eddington for supporting the event this year as part of their placemaking work. The venue provided an exceptional backdrop, placing this important training event right at the heart of the local community.