World Heart Day 2025: Why your First Aid Training could save a life

Every year on 29 September, millions of people around the globe mark World Heart Day - a campaign led by the World Heart Federation to raise awareness of cardiovascular diseases, the world’s leading cause of death.

For us at Imperative Training, it’s more than just a date on the calendar. It’s a reminder that the skills you learn in a First Aid course could one day mean the difference between life and death.

The Reality of Cardiac Arrest

• Every year, tens of thousands of people in the UK suffer an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest.
• Less than 1 in 10 survive.
• But survival rates double or triple when CPR and defibrillation are given quickly.

The sad truth is that many lives are lost simply because bystanders don’t know what to do — or are too afraid to step in. That’s exactly why first aid training is so vital.

First Aid Training = Confidence to Act

When someone collapses, every second counts. By refreshing or gaining first aid skills, you’ll know how to:

• Spot the warning signs of a heart attack or cardiac arrest.
• Call for help and direct others clearly.
• Perform high-quality CPR to keep oxygen flowing to the brain.
• Use an AED (defibrillator) confidently, even if you’ve never seen one before.

First aid training doesn’t just teach techniques - it gives you the confidence to act instead of freezing in panic.

Why This Matters in Workplaces

World Heart Day is the perfect time for employers to ask: “Would our team know what to do if a colleague collapsed?”

• Many workplaces still don’t have trained first aiders or a defibrillator on site.
• Employers have a duty of care to protect staff and visitors.
• Beyond compliance, investing in training shows you value people’s lives.

A trained workforce = a safer, more prepared workplace.

Small Actions, Big Impact

The theme of World Heart Day is about empowering people to protect their heart health - through lifestyle choices, regular checks, and knowing how to respond in emergencies.

By taking a first aid course, you’re not just gaining a certificate. You’re gaining the power to:

• Save a colleague at work.
• Protect a family member at home.
• Step up for a stranger in the community.

Take Action This World Heart Day

This 29 September, don’t just read about heart health - do something practical.

• Book or refresh your first aid and CPR training with Imperative Training Ltd.
• Ensure your workplace is equipped with a defibrillator and staff who know how to use it.
• Share the message that first aid saves lives.

Because when it comes to cardiac arrest, the first person on the scene isn’t usually a paramedic, it’s someone like you. And what you do in those first minutes can change everything.