Glasgow Interfaith events see over 80 trained in vital CPR

Over 80 people have attended two interfaith training events in Glasgow to learn CPR and how to use a defibrillator.

The events, which were organised by community member, Shabir Beg and delivered by three Scottish Ambulance Service (SAS) paramedics with assistance from the Save a Life for Scotland team, were held at the Al Furqan Mosque and Al Huda Islamic Centre, Glasgow.

Mr Beg was keen to organise these events after a personal experience which highlighted how vital CPR skills are.

On 6 July 2023, the Beg family was attending an event in Glasgow when Shabir’s son Simon had a cardiac arrest. A fellow guest started CPR on Simon, while another called 999. Two Scottish Ambulance Service crews arrived at the scene to take over and provide advanced life support.

During the second training event, Simon attended to say thank you to the SAS crew members who played a vital part in saving his life: Bradley, Aimee, Rhiannan, and Owen.

Shabir Beg said: “As a father, along with my whole family, we are grateful to the Scottish Ambulance Service and have realised the importance of being trained in CPR.

“At the Al Huda Islamic Centre, we have started a long-term project to promote CPR and defibrillator awareness, and we are grateful to paramedics Claire, Leigh, and Harry for starting to teach our community these life-saving skills.                                                                                                                                                                                                        

“Our thanks go out to everyone involved for attending, showing your support, and making the evening a success.”

Michael Dickson, Chief Executive, Scottish Ambulance Service said: “CPR and the use of a defibrillator are vital links in the chain of survival for out-of-hospital cardiac arrest. Learning CPR is an essential skill that we encourage all to take part in.

“The Scottish Ambulance Service is delighted to support these events, and we thank the Al Gilani and Al Huda foundations and our colleagues at Save a Life for Scotland for helping to make the events a success.”