Heartstart

A basic knowledge of emergency first aid can save lives.

The Heartstart volunteering project teaches children and adults vital lifesaving skills and spreads first aid awareness across Greater Manchester. You will be part of a group of trained student volunteers who will work together to deliver basic first aid sessions in local community settings, including schools, university halls and youth clubs.

Students will be expected to commit to attending one full day of training and to deliver a minimum of five training sessions in the community. Staff from the Volunteering and Community Engagement Team will be on hand throughout the year to book sessions in and provide support to the Heartstart team. All Heartstart volunteering is counted towards the Manchester Leadership Programme and Stellify Award volunteering hours.

Details for this volunteering project in 2020/21 are yet to be confirmed and more information will be communicated here in the next few weeks. Please check back soon for more information on how to get involved in 2020/21.

What does Heartstart involve?

You will receive training which will equip you to deliver sessions in Basic Life Support (BLS), covering a range of first aid topics including the recovery position, CPR, choking, serious bleeding and heart attack.

Throughout the year you will work in small groups to plan and deliver sessions in various local community settings including schools, youth groups and community centres. The sessions will need to be tailored to each audience, taking into account the age of the participants, the time they available and the topics they would like to cover. You’ll use a range of resources to help you deliver the sessions including training manikins and DVD clips for each of the topics.

You’ll be responsible for looking after the equipment and ensuring it is in good working order for each session.

How much time will I be expected to spend on the project?

The Heartstart project runs across the whole academic year, starting with a training day in October. Once you are trained you will be ready to start to plan and deliver your own sessions. Staff in the volunteering team will lead on booking in sessions with groups and will work with the Heartstart student team to make sure these can be delivered.

You can deliver sessions which fit around your availability but we ask that you commit to delivering a minimum of five sessions across the year, although we would encourage you to do more!

Before each session you will meet with your sub-team to plan activities and prepare the resources you will need. Preparing for and delivering sessions and meeting with your team will total a couple of hours per week, but this is flexible depending on when sessions are booked in.

Do I need to have first-aid experience?

You don’t need to have prior experience in first aid to become a Heartstart trainer. An interest in first aid is essential, and we also ask that you are confident in presenting to large groups.

What can I get out of the project?

You will receive full training as a Heartstart trainer which includes a complete run-through of the BLS skills you will be delivering and tips on how to plan and deliver sessions effectively. You will gain experience and increase your confidence in delivering practical sessions and presenting to groups of different ages and backgrounds in a range of settings. You’ll also have the opportunity to get involved in other initiatives including promoting first aid to other students and taking part in events.

The Volunteering and Community Engagement Team at the University will provide support to you throughout the project.

How can I get involved?

Email to express your interest/ submit an application form to volunteers@manchester.ac.uk
We will then be in touch to let you know if you have secured a place on the team
If successful you will be required to attend an initial training day on Friday 25th October 2019

HS application form 2019/20

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