5,855 Queenslanders Set CPR World Record

5,855 Queenslanders across 78 locations yesterday helped set a new world record for the most people to perform CPR at once.

Emergency Services Minister Neil Roberts said the attempt was made as part of Ambulance Week (10-16 September) in an effort to boost community awareness of the importance of learning the potentially lifesaving technique of CPR.

“I am delighted so many Queenslanders embraced this enjoyable event, which has a very serious side to it,” Mr Roberts said.

“This was a great community effort that involved schools, charities and businesses alike.

“People of all ages participated in the record setting at 78 locations around the state - from Cairns to Mornington Island to Toowoomba.

Queensland Ambulance Service (QAS) Commissioner Jim Higgins said participants conducted the life-saving technique on specially designed pillows, illustrating exactly where to apply compressions and breaths.

“The research is clear – with bystander CPR a patient’s chance of survival is significantly increased,” said Commissioner Higgins.

“On behalf of the Queensland Ambulance Service I would like to extend my personal thanks to each and every person who accepted this worthy challenge.”

“With almost 70% of cardiac arrests occurring within the family home and most being witnessed by a family member, each and everyone should be able to perform CPR,” he said.

The official Guinness World Record is expected to be officially ratified in the coming months.

Media contact: Tim Shipstone 07 3247 8194, 0409 620 571.

Brendan Connell 07 3247 8992, 0437 837 976