Farmers across Cumbria benefit from life-saving training

A new initiative aimed at improving survival rates for cardiac arrests in rural areas is empowering farmers in Cumbria with cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and defibrillator training.

The Farmers Heart Safe Project is led by North West Ambulance Service community resuscitation engagement officer Megan Stephenson.

It focuses on increasing awareness and confidence in using life-saving techniques to protect both farmers and the wider rural community.

See also: Health crisis grows for isolated North Yorkshire farmers

Megan Stephenson © Supplied by Megan Stephenson

Launched in September 2024, the project is focused on addressing a significant issue: 80% of cardiac arrests occur outside of hospital settings.

“I am trying to improve those statistics throughout Cumbria. The response has been so positive so far,” Megan says.

“When I explain the benefits of how it will support the farming community, people are really on board.”

The project started when Megan completed work to identify areas across Cumbria where out-of-hospital cardiac arrests have occurred.

This highlighted where there is no (or very little) defibrillator provision for the local communities.

More defibrillators 

Megan’s ongoing project aims to collaborate with local farmers to install more defibrillators in rural spots and on farms, with the goal of creating “Heart Safe” farming locations.

The team also teaches farmers the process of calling 999 and navigating a defibrillator cabinet, which stores the defibrillator, as brands can often differ.

Research shows that farmers are 21% more likely to suffer a workplace injury than those in other professions, making first aid, CPR, and defibrillator training particularly critical in rural areas.

“I would love to increase knowledge on how CPR and defibrillators can make a difference within the farming communities,” says Megan.

So far, four defibrillators have been installed in Thursby, Cumbria, all funded by a local farmer.

These defibrillators were placed in areas previously lacking provision, ensuring a 24/7 resource for emergencies.

Farming networks 

Megan has received support from Jackie Clegg, one of the regional support officers at the Farming Community Network (FCN), helping to connect her with farming communities.

“Farmers won’t reach out unless they really need help,” Megan notes, highlighting the importance of tailored outreach in rural areas.

The North West Ambulance Service is also involved in attending Young Farmer events to provide hands-on training in CPR, first aid, and defibrillator use.

The response from farmers has been overwhelmingly positive, Megan says, with many eager to improve the safety of their farms.

To date, 11 farming locations have been contacted to take part in the project, but Megan hopes to expand this further across Cumbria.

“Ultimately, by doing the training, it will give farmers the knowledge to act independently while waiting for urgent care, which increases the survival rate.

“While defibrillators are designed to be able to be used without training, this CPR and defibrillator awareness training will build confidence as well as competence for those who attend,” says Megan.

Megan Stephenson delivering CPR training © Supplied by Megan Stephenson