Region expands first-aid training as survival lags in 13 housing areas

More residents in public housing areas in the Copenhagen region can now provide life-saving first aid, DR reports. The initiative by the Capital Region of Denmark has focused over the past four years on training residents in areas at risk of appearing on the government’s parallel society list, including how to perform 30 chest compressions and two rescue breaths.

“More people suffer cardiac arrest, and fewer survive in these areas. That is why it is important that people become more aware that they can provide first aid, seek help and call 112,” said Carolina Malta Hansen, a heart specialist at Herlev Hospital who researches emergency response in the Capital Region.

Eight per cent of people in public housing areas survive a cardiac arrest when others are present, compared with 22 per cent in other residential areas.

Klaus Iversen, who lives in Bellahøj in Copenhagen, is among those seeking to change the figures. He has completed a first-aid course.

“I am glad I took part, because now I can react if someone nearby needs cardiopulmonary resuscitation,” he said.

This year, 726 residents from 13 housing areas in the Copenhagen region have completed a first-aid course. Last year, the number was 148.

The 13 public housing areas

Bellahøj, Bispeparken, Farum Midtpunkt, Folehaven, Hedeparken and Magleparken in Ballerup, Hedemarken, Høje Gladsaxe, Kantorparken, Kildeparken, Frederiksholm, Tingbjerg, Urbanplanen and Østerbro AAB departments 18, 21 and 23.