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Restart a Heart

Restart a Heart logo alongside text that reads 'Learn CPR, act fast, save lives.'

Restart a Heart returns this October 2026!

Restart a Heart (RSAH) is an annual initiative led by Resuscitation Council UK which aims to increase the number of people surviving out-of-hospital cardiac arrests by helping more people learn CPR and become ResusReady.

Survival rates from out-of-hospital cardiac arrest remain stubbornly low in the UK, with fewer than one in 10 people surviving*. By taking part in Restart a Heart, you are part of something bigger. You are contributing to a society where more people know how to help save a life, and can make a real difference in the ultimate medical emergency.

Find out how you can get involved with Restart a Heart below.

*source: www.resus.org.uk/professional-library/2025-resuscitation-guidelines/epidemiology-cardiac-arrest-guidelines

Restart a Heart Live

You can make the difference by joining Restart A Heart Live - a free live-streamed CPR event taking place on Thursday 1 October 2026.

Anyone can register to take part, and it’s a fun, accessible way for primary and secondary schools to get students of all ages learning this lifesaving skill. No equipment is required. All you need is a cushion, jacket in a bag or teddy and 25 minutes of your time.

Register your interest in Restart a Heart Live

person performing chest compressions on a training manikin while another person attaches defibrillator pads

Get trained

See what CPR training events are happening this October and access resources from our partners!

Flatlay of Restart a Heart poster, bunting, and stickers against a dark blue background

Supporting resources

Free merchandise, downloadable toolkits, and social media graphics to help you host your own Restart a Heart event and spread the word online!

UK parliament building

Write to your local decision maker

Your voice adds real weight and can help us improve cardiac arrest outcomes in communities across the UK.

Football team in an area of deprivation, crowded around on a field watching a CPR demonstration

Donate to bring lifesaving training to everyone

Your donations will help us invest more in our campaigning work to give everyone across the UK the skills to save a life.

Trained in CPR?
You’ve learned how to save a life – now help show the power of CPR training. Add your name to our ResusReady map and see how many people in your area are ready to step in during a cardiac arrest.
Register as ResusReady

More information about Restart a Heart

Restart a Heart (RSAH) is an annual initiative led by Resuscitation Council UK (RCUK) every October, which aims to increase the number of people surviving out-of-hospital cardiac arrests by improving cardiac arrest awareness and CPR education.

With support from an alliance of partners all over the world (including UK Ambulance Services, universities, and other charitable and public sector community-based organisations and first aid training organisations) we help organise and facilitate training events, as well as provide opportunities for people to learn CPR and defibrillation digitally in the safety and comfort of their own homes.

You can expect to see Restart a Heart events happening throughout October, and on Restart a Heart day on 16 October. 

Whether you're hosting an event or attending one, teaching in person or learning online, you have a key role to play in improving survival rates from out-of-hospital cardiac arrest. You can ensure that everyone has a chance to learn the steps to CPR and how to use a defib and that those having a sudden cardiac arrest have their best chance of surviving.  

Get involved year round

Restart a Heart may be one month a year but our work to ensure everyone has lifesaving skills continues year round. You can take part, no matter what time of year it is, by: