New app launched to help students develop lifesaving skills in CPR and AED

Launched at Methodist College Belfast on 12 November, the Community of Lifesavers App is designed specifically for Key Stage 3 students to practise Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) and Automated External Defibrillator (AED) techniques and understand how to act in emergency situations.

The app also offers the opportunity to earn skills badges, compete with other schools and hear inspiring survivor stories.

Speaking on the launch of the Community of Lifesavers App, Gerry Campbell, CCEA Chief Executive, said:

We’re delighted to bring this lifesaving app to young people, families and teachers across Northern Ireland. CCEA places young people at the heart of its work, taking their needs and behaviours into account when designing and delivering new initiatives. This app provides opportunities through a digital platform to reinforce knowledge and skills already learnt in schools at Key Stage 3, enabling students to access this information at any time, in a format that suits them. We hope that the Community of Lifesavers app helps many young people and their families to learn these vital skills now and in the future.

The app complements CCEA’s Community of Lifesavers Education Programme in schools which provides up-to-date resources to teach vital CPR and AED skills, supporting resources and training equipment.

Through the app, users can:

• reinforce prior learning about CPR and refresh skills; and deepen awareness around how to use a defibrillator and what to do in an emergency;
• take interactive quizzes;
• hear survivor stories, putting into context the importance of CPR and AED; and
• earn skills badges and compete with other schools.

CPR and the use of AED have been part of the minimum statutory content for Learning for Life and Work at Key Stage 3 since 2022.

The Community of Lifesavers App is free to download at the App store and Google Play stores for young people, parents/carers and teachers.

Further information can be found at Community of Lifesavers Education Programme.