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Invictus Games athlete joins forces with RCUK to boost CPR awareness across the UK

Mark Ormrod

Resuscitation Council UK (RCUK) has teamed up with former Royal Marine and Invictus Games athlete Mark Ormrod MBE and the Amputation Foundation, to get more people across the UK learning the simple steps of CPR. Not just chest compressions, but the many other vital actions that can help keep someone alive until emergency services arrive.

The message from RCUK, Mark Ormrod, and the Amputation Foundation is simple – even if you are unable to do CPR due to physical limitations, you have the power to act and be part of the chain of survival by: 

  • Calling out for help (Shout)
  • Alerting emergency services (Call 999)
  • Telling someone to get a defibrillator (Guide)
  • Supporting or coordinating CPR efforts 

New research commissioned by RCUK reveals a widespread lack of public confidence in performing CPR, reinforcing the charity’s ongoing call for everyone to learn this lifesaving skill during Restart a Heart month each October. 

The survey revealed: 

  • Two in five (39%) UK adults admit they wouldn’t know how to perform CPR.
  • Only 35% say they would get involved if they witnessed a cardiac arrest. 

With thousands of out-of-hospital cardiac arrests happening each year, these findings highlight a critical confidence gap. Every second counts when someone has a cardiac arrest, and early CPR can double the chances of survival. Encouragingly, an overwhelming majority (69%) agree that people with limb differences are capable of intervening during the ultimate medical emergency – a clear reflection of public recognition that everyone has a role to play in saving a life. 

CPR practise on manikin

 

Mark Ormrod MBE said: “It means a lot to me that the majority of people recognise that having a limb difference doesn’t stop you from helping in a cardiac emergency. I, like many people have faced plenty of challenges in life, but I’ve never let those challenges stop me from stepping up, and I don’t believe anyone else should either. When someone’s in cardiac arrest, it’s not about being a hero or doing everything yourself. It’s about taking action, however you can.” 

James Cant, CEO at RCUK said: “Cardiac arrest is a life-or-death situation, and it's crucial that more people feel empowered to act. Our research shows a gap in confidence, but the message is clear, learning CPR can make all the difference. It’s also important to remember that CPR is not just about chest compressions - shouting for help or calling 999 are just as critical. It takes a team effort to save a life, and we want everyone to know they have a role to play, no matter their physical ability.” 

However, the research also uncovered that over half of UK adults (52%) believe people with an amputation or limb difference would need specialist CPR training. In reality, no specialist training is required. The core steps of CPR remain the same for everyone and simple changes can enable everyone to participate confidently. 

Ste Cruse, Founder of Amputation Foundation said: “Our mantra is "There is Life After Amputation" and we strive to encourage people to get involved with as many activities as possible including things that maybe they had never tried pre-amputation. We wanted to support the Restart a Heart Campaign as there is no reason why an amputee can't play a potentially vital role in the chain of survival. We will certainly be promoting the campaign with each of our Support Hubs and encouraging our members to sign up for CPR training." 

This Restart a Heart month, RCUK is calling on the public to: 

  • Lifesaver - Learn CPR, so you know what to do if someone collapses.
  • Donate to support RCUK in bringing CPR training to every corner of the UK.
  • Get to know defibrillators through their updated Automated External Defibrillator (AED) guide, covering how and when to use them, advice on buying and installing devices, and why registering with The Circuit matters.
Mon, 13/10/2025

For more information or to request for an interview or case studies please call the Resuscitation Council UK Press Office on 0207 388 4678 or email stella.hindle@resus.org.uk / tom.shearsmith@resus.org.uk / communications@resus.org.uk 

 

Additional Quotes: 

Lucy Robin, Child Health Community Champions Lead for ABC Parents said: “Inclusion is about recognising that everyone, in every community, can be part of the chain of survival. Every action matters, whether that’s calling for help, guiding someone to a defibrillator, or starting CPR. Saving a life should never feel out of reach for anyone.” 

 

Simon Ferris, Director at Flat Stan First Aid said: "This campaign is a vital step toward making the chain of survival truly inclusive. By empowering people with limb differences and disabilities to act in emergencies, it builds confidence, promotes equality, and strengthens community resilience. With a clear long-term vision, it breaks down barriers and reinforces the message that everyone has the power to help save a life."

 

Notes to editor:

 

  1. This press release refers to an adapted version of CPR steps for individuals who are physically unable to perform chest compressions, ensuring lifesaving action can still be taken. The CPR steps outlined on our website remain the gold standard.

  2. The research was conducted by Opinion Matters, among a sample of UK 2,001 Nat Rep Respondents, The data was collected between 04.09.2025 – 08.09.2025.
  3. Early CPR can double the chances of survival - https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33151108/
  4. Resuscitation Council UK is saving lives by developing guidelines, influencing policy, delivering courses and supporting cutting-edge research. Through education, training and research, we’re working toward the day when everyone in the country has the skills they need to save a life.
  5. Restart a Heart | Resuscitation Council UK - Every October an alliance of partners all over the world, including UK Ambulance Services, schools, universities, charities, and public sector community-based organisations, come together to increase awareness of cardiac arrest and how to perform CPR. 
  6. Every second counts: Tackling inequalities in resuscitation report - RCUK commissioned a survey to understand the views and expectations of people from certain ethnic minority groups in England around learning and performing Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR).
  • Fieldwork was conducted in February 2023, in areas with high levels of cardiac arrest in London, North East, North West, West Midland and Yorkshire and Humber.
  • The ethnic groups surveyed included people from Indian, Pakistani, Bangladeshi, African, and Caribbean backgrounds. The survey tool was designed to enable comparisons between this study and the wider population data.
  • The research had two main stages:   
    - Qualitative stage which was completed in November 2022 and involved 14 focus groups eliciting both breadth and depth of responses covering the main research objectives.  
    - Quantitative stage which was conducted in February 2023. This comprised a paperless survey conducted face-to-face of 509 respondents aged 18+ to gain a greater understanding of population level knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions.