Bristol NHS Group teams up with Bristol Rovers to teach life-saving CPR

Photographed: Bristol Rovers Community Trust college students with Bristol NHS Group Resuscitation Practitioners at the Memorial Stadium. Image by Bristol Rovers Community Trust

Students at Bristol Rovers’ Memorial Stadium have received hands-on CPR training from the Bristol NHS Group, equipping them with vital skills and the confidence to respond effectively in a cardiac emergency.

Resuscitation Practitioners from University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust (UHBW) and North Bristol NHS Trust (NBT) provided CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) and defibrillator training to around 70 students from the Bristol Rovers Community Trust College.

The sessions focused on the importance of early intervention during cardiac emergencies, demonstrating how prompt CPR and use of a defibrillator can significantly improve survival.

The event was attended by Bristol Rovers player Tom Lockyer and team manager Steve Evans. Following the training, Tom Lockyer spoke to students about his own experience of surviving a cardiac arrest during a professional match in 2023, highlighting the critical role that rapid CPR and defibrillation played in saving his life.

Tom Lockyer said: “I’m living proof of the power of CPR - quick thinking, CPR and a defibrillator saved my life, and without that response I simply wouldn’t be here today. I’m proud to support this training and help give young people the confidence to step in during an emergency and potentially save a life.”

The training was delivered by Resuscitation Practitioners Katie Snook and Philippa Haggitt from UHBW, alongside Andrea Livingstone from NBT, as part of the Trusts’ wider programme of community outreach activity. This work aims to increase first aid awareness, empower local people to act confidently in emergencies, and ultimately save lives.

NBT’s Hospital Medical Director, Dr Sam Patel, was also present, answering questions from students and reinforcing the importance of public awareness and confidence in responding to cardiac emergencies.

Dr Patel said: “This is one of the first of hopefully many community sessions as part of our collaboration with Bristol Rovers Community Trust. It shows the power of working together to harness our shared expertise to make a real difference in our community.  Every minute matters in a cardiac arrest, and by giving students the confidence to act, we’re teaching these young people how to possibly save a life.”

Katie Snook, Resuscitation Practitioner at UHBW, said: “Teaching CPR is about removing fear and giving people the confidence to act. You don’t need to be a medical professional to save a life - you just need to be willing to step in. Seeing how engaged the students were during the session was incredibly encouraging.”

The session also reflected the growing collaboration between NBT and Bristol Rovers Community Trust, announced in November (2025), which brings together NHS clinical expertise and community outreach to deliver impactful health, education and wellbeing initiatives across the region. The partnership aims to promote healthier lifestyles, improve access to services and strengthen inclusion for people of all ages and backgrounds.

Bristol NHS Group Chief Executive Maria Kane said: “This is a great example of how working together across healthcare, education and community partners can make a real difference. The level of engagement from the students was fantastic, and it was clear how powerful this training has been in building their confidence to act in an emergency. I would like to thank colleagues from both Trusts for their commitment and expertise in delivering this vital, life-saving work.”

More than 34,000 people experience an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest each year in the UK, according to The Resuscitation Council. Many of these deaths could be prevented if immediate CPR is performed before emergency services arrive.

To learn more about CPR and how you can make a difference, visit the NHS website.