When Every Second Counts: Time to Start CPR.

CPR 2-3-minute read on why CPR skills could save a life in your workplace.

Written by Mark Phillips, first published:

I'll never forget the first time I had to use CPR in a real emergency. It was during a training session at a construction site, and one of the workers suddenly collapsed. In that moment, all the theory I'd been teaching for years became very real indeed.

The Moment That Changes Everything

Picture this: you're having your morning coffee when a colleague suddenly clutches their chest and drops to the floor. Their breathing stops. Their heart stops. What happens next could mean the difference between life and death. This is exactly why I'm so passionate about teaching CPR at Typhon Training Solutions as part of our HSE-approved First Aid at Work courses.

The statistics are sobering – in the UK, someone suffers a cardiac arrest every five minutes. Without immediate CPR, their chances of survival drop by 10% every minute that passes. But here's the thing that keeps me motivated: when bystanders perform CPR immediately, survival rates can double or even triple.

It's Simpler Than You Think

Push hard and fast, 5-6cm depth, rate of 2 compressions per second.

One of the biggest myths I encounter is that CPR is too complicated for ordinary people to learn. Absolute rubbish! The modern approach to CPR is brilliantly straightforward. You could focus on what's called "hands-only CPR" for most situations – no mouth-to-mouth required or add the more effective "Rescue Breaths" at a rate of 30 compressions to 2 breaths if your trained to do so.

Here's what I teach my students: if someone collapses and isn't breathing normally, call 999 immediately, then start chest compressions. Place the heel of one hand on the centre of their chest, in line with the arm pits. Put your other hand on top, interlocking your fingers. Push hard and fast, at least 5cm deep or 1/3 the chest depth for a child, at a rate of 100-120 compressions per minute.

The rhythm? Think of "Stayin' Alive" by the Bee Gees – it's got the perfect beat (2 compressions per second). I've had students tell me they can't get that song out of their heads after training, which is exactly what I want!

Real Stories, Real Impact

Last year, one of my former students, Sarah from a London office, used her CPR training when her manager collapsed during a meeting. She kept him alive until the paramedics arrived. He made a full recovery and was back at work within months. Sarah later told me she felt completely confident because the training had been so practical and memorable.

That's why at Typhon Training Solutions, we don't just lecture about CPR – we get everyone practising on state of the art manikins that can give you feedback on how effective your CPR is.

You'll leave knowing exactly how it feels to perform effective chest compressions, and more importantly, you'll have the knowledge, skills and confidence to act when it matters.

Push hard and fast, 5-6cm depth, rate of 2 compressions per second, for 30 compressions

The Legal Side

Here's something many people don't realise: if you're trained in first aid at work, you have a duty of care to help. But don't worry – Good Samaritan laws protect you when you're acting in good faith to help someone. The only mistake you can make, is doing nothing.

Your Next Step

CPR isn't just a skill for healthcare workers – it's something every workplace/house hold should have covered. Whether you're in an office, warehouse, or construction site, cardiac emergencies can happen anywhere.

Ready to Learn Life-Saving CPR Skills?

If you'd like to book CPR training for your team or want to discuss your workplace first aid requirements, contact Typhon Training Solutions today.

📞 Call: 07939557029

✉️ Email: mark.phillips@typhontrainingsolutions.co.uk

Remember: you don't need to be perfect; you just need to try. Those chest compressions could be the difference between someone going home to their family or not.

Mark Phillips is a qualified first aid instructor and founder at Typhon Training Solutions, he is a former Army and Police instructor, delivering HSE-approved First Aid at Work courses across North Essex and surrounding areas, in person or online for over 5 years.

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