World Restart a Heart Day - 16th October
Together We Can Save Lives
Every year on the 16 October, the world comes together to highlight a powerful, lifesaving message: it only takes two hands to save a life. This World Restart a Heart Day is a day to shine a spotlight on the critical role of bystanders, CPR training, and early defibrillation.
Why It Matters
- In New Zealand alone, approximately 5 people every day experience an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest, that’s about 2,000 people each year according to New Zealand Resuscitation Council.
- When emergency services arrive, only 25% of those people have a pulse. And by 30 days after the event, survival drops to just 13%.
- That means the actions of bystanders in the first few minutes before paramedics arrive can absolutely make the difference between life and death.
Real Heroes. Real Stories.
This year, Resus NZ is sharing four powerful stories of survival that prove one thing: anyone can be a lifesaver.
- Adam, a former firefighter, collapsed outside a dairy while running an errand for his granddaughter. A bystander’s quick call to 111 started the chain of survival. New Zealand Resuscitation Council
- Neal, competing in a Masters Hockey Tournament, collapsed mid-game. His teammates sprang into action with CPR and an AED. New Zealand Resuscitation Council
- Craig collapsed during a Christmas concert. In the rain, a stranger flagged down help and responders worked tirelessly to revive him. New Zealand Resuscitation Council
- Kendall’s story reminds us that even children can save lives: her young sons responded when she went into cardiac arrest at home. New Zealand Resuscitation Council
These stories aren’t just inspiring, they are a wake-up call that ordinary people, with minimal training, can act in emergencies.
What You Can Do
- Learn CPR: Sign up for a CPR/Basic Life Support course in your area (many are available through community or first‑aid organisations).
- Find your nearest AED: Knowing where an AED is located in your workplace, gym, school, or public space can be lifesaving.
- Share your knowledge: Spread awareness. Encourage friends, colleagues, even children to learn CPR.
- Be ready to act: In an emergency, call 111 immediately, begin chest compressions, and use an AED if one is available.
Why Schools and Communities Matter
Resus NZ supports “Kids Save Lives,” a global initiative endorsed by the WHO that recommends
all children aged 12 and older receive CPR training each year.
They’ve also teamed up with the Ministry of Education to promote
‘AEDs in Schools’, encouraging school boards to ensure defibrillators are accessible on school grounds.
Call to Join the Movement
This World Restart a Heart Day, let’s commit to building a nation of lifesavers. Whether it’s signing up for training, installing an AED in your community, or simply sharing a story, your action might one day save a life.
➡Want to get involved or host an event? Visit Resus NZ’s World Restart a Heart page for resources, posters, and guidance.
Let’s make sure that next time someone’s heart stops, help isn’t just a hope, it’s a well‑prepared, community‑wide response.
