Restart a Heart Day 2026: Strengthening the Chain of Survival with CPR Training

What is Restart a Heart Day 2026?

Every year on 16 October, thousands of people across the UK unite for Restart a Heart Day: a campaign dedicated to increasing survival rates from cardiac arrest through CPR training and defibrillator awareness.

Led by the Resuscitation Council UK, this initiative gives people and communities the opportunity to prepare with CPR training skills, build knowledge, and increase confidence so that they can take immediate action when a life is on the line.

Last year, nearly 7,000 people learned CPR through online and in-person sessions. This year, let’s prepare even more communities, schools, and workplaces. We can come together to take part in CPR and AED activities and celebrate the spirit of Restart a Heart Day.

Why CPR Training Matters and How CPR Saves Lives

Every moment counts when someone is experiencing a cardiac arrest, because for every minute that passes without interventions like CPR or defibrillation, survival chances drop by approximately 10% (Resuscitation Council UK). This is a devastating figure to keep in mind when bystanders are faced with a challenging situation. In the UK, studies show that survival after an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest is fewer than 1 10. 

This is where the Chain of Survival comes in.

It sets out the steps that give someone the best chance of surviving a cardiac arrest. Knowing them in advance makes it easier to act with confidence. Resuscitation Council UK’s Resuscitation Guidelines updated the chain to four links:

1. Early recognition and call for help: If someone is unresponsive, call 999 straight away and check their breathing while you wait. If in doubt, start CPR. The call handler will guide you and tell you where the nearest defibrillator is.
2. Early CPR and defibrillation: Start chest compressions immediately and use a defibrillator as soon as one arrives.
3. Advanced and post-resuscitation care: Paramedics and hospital teams stabilise the heart and protect the brain.
4. Survival and recovery: Rehabilitation and follow-up help survivors rebuild their quality of life.

The first two links depend on the people nearby, which is why bystanders who know what to do make such a difference.

We can all learn CPR and how to use public defibrillators, helping to improve outcomes in our communities.

How WEL Medical Supports CPR and AED Training

WEL Medical provides equipment for schools, sports clubs, workplaces, emergency services, charities, and local councils:

• Brayden CPR Manikins: a manikin with lights that demonstrate how chest compressions are done.
• iPAD AEDs: a defibrillator designed to be easy to follow and understand.
• DefibSafe Cabinets: weatherproof cases that store AEDs so they can be found easily.
• AED Trainers: devices that let people explore how CPR and AEDs work.

We have heard stories of people who survived because someone nearby knew what to do. These real and inspiring stories are a great reason to get familiar with CPR.

How to Get Involved in Restart a Heart Day 2026

If you’re curious about CPR and AEDs, there are plenty of ways to see them in action and get involved with Restart a Heart Day. Here’s a few examples of what people across the UK are doing to access CPR training in the UK:

• Go to a local event to watch CPR and AED demonstrations.
• Take part in a session at your school or workplace to see how CPR and AEDs are used.
• Tell friends, family, or colleagues about the initiative to help raise awareness.
• Learn where AEDs are in your area so you know their locations.

CPR is a skill anyone can get familiar with. Restart a Heart Day 2026 is a chance to explore or revisit training in a supported, supervised setting.

Ready to Strengthen the Chain of Survival?

If you’re looking for support in enhancing your organisation’s training or resources, WEL Medical can help. We provide a range of lifesaving equipment, from CPR training manikins to defibrillators. With flexible finance options available, we aim to keep our solutions as accessible as possible.

Don’t hesitate to get in touch with us to find out more about how you can make a difference in your community.

Further Reading

• Where Can You Learn CPR?
• Empowering Youth on World Youth Skills Day: Why CPR Training Should Be a Lifesaving Skill for All
• National Heart Month: Strengthening the Chain of Survival With CPR and AED Training
• Understanding the Importance of Baby CPR Training
• Light The Path to Lifesaving Skills with Brayden CPR Manikins
• The Importance of CPR Refresher Training

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