TS TIGER, Leicester Sea Cadets are proud to kick start SADS week 2024 in support of the Joe Humphries Memorial Trust (JHMT) with a 4-hour sponsored CPR-a-thon at their unit HQ in Belgrave.

The CPR-a-thon will see adult volunteers and cadets aged 9 – 17 take part in continuous CPR for 4 hours on Sunday 29^th September, taking it in turns to put their training into practise. Half of the funds raised will be donated to the JHMT with the remaining half going towards improving training resources for the cadets. There will also be the opportunity for families to learn about CPR and defibrillators, and to have a go themselves at the unit.

Leicester Sea Cadets have partnered with the JHMT to raise awareness of the need for effective CPR and knowledge of using a defibrillator to save lives. They have been working with the charity who provided funding for 7 mini training AEDs which the cadets have been using as part of their first aid training and qualifications, having raised funds for defibrillators in their HQ last year. This has given peace of mind and easy access to life saving equipment for not only cadets and adult volunteers on a weekly basis, but for hall hires and community groups, and the wider cadet community with their weekend courses.

Cadets learn skills on and off the water in disciplines such as first aid, catering, paddling and rowing. They have the opportunity to gain nationally recognised qualifications such ad D of E and BTECs whilst learning new skills and making a difference in their community. The cadets provided support running a water station at Joe's Jog in Rothley earlier this year and hope to continue supporting this event with the JHMT for many years to come.

Commanding Officer SLt (SCC) Sam Clayton RNR said, "It is a pleasure to be able to play a part in SADS week and to give back to the JHMT in support of all the work they do. I am constantly amazed by the dedication and drive shown by my cadets when it comes to supporting work within our community. I hope that through the CPR-a-thon we will be able to raise awareness of SADS and the need for CPR training, and contribute financially to the work of both the JHMT and Leicester Sea Cadets."

Steve Humphries, Chair of JHMT, said: "It's fitting that all our friends at Leicester Sea Cadets get set to launch this year's SADS Awareness Week 2024 with a four CPR -a-thon to demonstrate that everyone can help save a life with basic CPR skills in an emergency, when every seconds counts. As well as raising vital funds, the CPR-a-thon is another timely reminder by the young sea cadets about the importance of CPR and that the more people who learn these simple lifesaving skills and have quick access to an AED, the more lives can be saved. The longer the delay between cardiac arrest and starting CPR, the less likely the person will survive. After all you don't have to be a member of the emergency services to save a life – ANYONE CAN BE A LIFESAVER."

To find out more about the work of Leicester Sea Cadets go to: www.sea-cadets.org/leicester

OUT-OF-HOSPITAL CARDIAC ARREST is a global public health issue experienced by 3.8 million people annually. Only 8% to 12% survive to hospital discharge.

In the UK, there are more than 30,000 witnessed out of hospital cardiac arrests which take place every year, tragically only 1 in 10 people of any age survive. This is mainly due to a lack of bystander Cardio-pulmonary – resuscitation (CPR) and defibrillation including quick access to a defibrillator. That means someone in the UK is dying every 20 minutes following an out of hospital cardiac arrest. Time is of the essence in a cardiac emergency and every second counts. Every minute without any bystander intervention reduces the chance of survival by 10. Early defibrillation is an essential element of the chain of survival and prompt treatment within 3- 5mins of collapse, can lead to survival rates in excess of 50%. Cardiac arrest can happen to anyone, anywhere, any time and any age including seemingly healthy young people, with over 80% of out of hospital cardiac arrests happening in the home.

One of the major factors highlighted in international and UK research is that there are gaps in deprived areas having access to this key lifesaving equipment and having basic lifesaving Cardio-pulmonary – resuscitation (CPR) skills. To address this, over the past two years, the public health team at Leicester City Council have been working in partnership with the Joe Humphries Memorial Trust and the East Midlands Ambulance Service to identify the current locations of defibrillators across the city. Using key data, we are now at stage where we have identified where the gaps exist in the community. Steps are being taken to provide a better distribution of devices which are accessible 24/7 in case of a cardiac emergency. The current roll out of public access defibrillators has recently included installations across Saffron and Eyres Monsell wards with more to follow in the coming months.

So, what are we asking from our communities?

• If you already have a defib in your premises or building, consider making it publicly available 24/7 for example by placing it in a cabinet on the outside of your building.
• If you do already have a defib, make sure it is registered on The Circuit (The Circuit - the national defibrillator network) so that in the event of an emergency the ambulance service can direct people to it and so that you can receive reminders to check the batteries and replace the pads when needed.
• If your building or premises does not have a defib, but you would like to install one, there are some sources of funding available to help out. For more information, contact the public health team: publichealth@leicester.gov.ukor the Joe Humphries Memorial Trust - jhmt@jhmt.org.uk
• As part of the HEART SAFE city project, JHMT and EMAS have joined forces to provide CPR & AED familiarisation sessions training, free of charge. The sessions last about an hour and include: a description of what a cardiac arrest looks and feels like, how to react (calling for help and starting CPR if required) and how to get hold of, and use, an AED. For more information and to arrange a training session, in the first instance please contact The Joe Humphries Memorial Trust: jhmt@jhmt.org.uk or the public health team: publichealth@leicester.gov.uk
• Recent surveys have suggested that less than half of people when asked felt confident that they knew what to do in the event of seeing someone have a cardiac arrest so why not give yourself or your staff the skills to save a life today.
• By working together to ensure that there are a host of well maintained, easily accessible defibrillators across the city and people who feel confident to use them, we can all make sure that people who suffer cardiac arrest have the best possible chance of survival and that together we can make Leicester a Heart Safe City.

If you find somebody that has collapsed and is not breathing, they may have had a cardiac arrest. If CPR is started following a possible cardiac arrest and within 3-5 minutes a defibrillator is used, the chance of that person living increases from 6% to 74%!!! Only 22% of people in the UK would be confident in performing CPR on a stranger. This statistic has to change in society as a whole for lives to be saved. Anybody can be a lifesaver. Find out how JHMT is raising awareness of recognition of cardiac arrest and how to perform basic CPR and AED use. Within only a few minutes training you could be a life saver!

There is a defibrillator closer to you than you may think. It's a good idea to find out the closest one to your home, school, place of work, or any place that you go regularly. You will usually find a one at public places, like schools, your local Co-op, leisure centres and sports stadiums. There are apps like GoodSAM Responder and Staying Alive which you can use to help you.

Most importantly, anyone can do CPR and use a defibrillator. You can do no harm to someone who has collapsed and is not breathing. There is no requirement to be medically trained. Any member of the public could use a defibrillator to deliver a potentially life-saving shock to a patient. The defibrillator itself will guide you.

There is also not an age limit. Basic life support skills including resuscitation and defibrillation are now part of the schools national curriculum. If you are strong enough to push on a chest and are able to follow instructions from the defibrillator, you are able to perform these skills.

See below introductory videos with simple demonstrations on CPR and how to use a defibrillator (AED).

• https://www.resus.org.uk/covid-19-resources/covid-19-resources-general-public/resuscitation-council-uk-statement-covid-19
• https://www.bhf.org.uk/how-you-can-help/how-to-save-a-life/how-to-do-cpr/cpr-training-videos
• https://www.goodsamapp.org/
• defibrillators
• https://www.jhmt.org.uk/cpr
• https://vimeo.com/399707203

This SADS Week, UK Coaching is once again reminding coaches, organisations and anyone involved in sport and physical activity to complete the free life-saving course, which takes approximately 30 minutes to complete.

A Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA) can happen to anyone, anytime, anywhere, though by being prepared you can help save a life.

The digital toolkit and e-learning course, developed in collaboration with Resuscitation Council UK, St John Ambulance, and the Joe Humphries Memorial Trust, aims to equip individuals with the knowledge and skills needed to respond swiftly to an SCA incident using CPR and an Automated External Defibrillator (AED).

Funded by Sport England, the toolkit is designed for anyone involved in the sports and physical activity industry, including coaches, personal trainers, club organisers, referees, volunteers, parents, participants, and spectators. Everyone has a role to play in increasing the chances of survival through proper knowledge, training, and support.

In the UK, around 60,000 people experience an SCA outside of a hospital setting each year, with only 1 in 10 survive. However, immediate and effective action can triple the chances of survival.

Mark Gannon, UK Coaching CEO said: "What could be more important than knowing how to save a life? We know that great coaches change people's lives and communities every day through the delivery of sport and physical activity. On occasion, they may literally have to save a life.

"Sudden cardiac arrest is something we all need to know about and take responsibility for. The stark fact is, if more people were trained in CPR and how to use a defibrillator then more people would be saved.

"That is why, collectively, we created a digital learning toolkit that reduces the fear and shock of an SCA and increases people's response rate by being prepared to act. This training is free, simple and a must for all coaches."

The immersive digital course offers practical skill development exercises, including virtual chest compressions and the use of a virtual AED. Learners are placed in a real emergency simulation where every decision and moment are critical. The course also employs animation, infographics, and diagrams to convey essential information and keep participants engaged.

Learn to be quick, be smart and restart a heart on UK Coaching's FREE eLearning course https://www.ukcoaching.org/sca

Imagine this scene….

You have just arrived for match day with your young teenagers. It's an away game, you are directed to the car park and you find your way to the sports fields, where several matches are already taking place. You check for familiar faces and see your team colours somewhere in the distance. Your children run towards their coach and you brace yourself for the next few hours on the sideline.

Do you know what to do if one of the young people playing football would collapse? You probably know to call 999, you may have done some CPR in a distant past and you are aware that more and more places seem to have a defibrillator on the wall. But would you know what to do? and would you do it?

• How long do you think it would take for you to locate the local or nearest AED?
• The pavilion is visible in the distance, you can't quite recall if you had seen the familiar yellow box on the wall… or may be a green lightning sign?
• If you saw an AED, would you use it? Even if you have never seen one close up?
• And how much time do you have? How long from collapse until the changes of survival are reduced to only 10%?

All those questions are probably not on the forefront of your mind, as most sports events pass without any serious casualties, maybe a broken arm, or some clashing of heads, but a cardiac arrest? That probably wouldn't happen to you.

Until it does!

Every week, at least 12 young people will die from a sudden cardiac arrest in the UK.

Currently, their change of surviving this is 10%. 1 in 10 of them will leave the hospital alive. 9 will die.

Many communities now have AEDs and this is making a real difference. But the time from collapse to first shock is often delayed by the time it takes to run to the nearest AED or to call 999 and wait for an ambulance.

Good CPR will buy you some time, but it is the shock that is needed to give this person a chance to survive.

Although population screening can find some underlying heart problems, too many sudden collapses are unexpected and unexplained and will not be avoided by screening. Screening can sometimes cause more harm than good.

Population first aid training, defibrillator availability, and rapid deployment are the critical factors to improve outcomes.

A growing number of sports facilities now have a defibrillator. However, these can be behind locked doors, or there might be multiple entrances.

Some sports teams are now carrying pitch side defibrillators: this is excellent for them, but surrounding teams will not necessarily be aware that there is an AED on site.

Many companies, public places and sports facilities have defibrillators inside their buildings, but these are not always clearly visible to passers-by, could be locked away or only get accessed by first aiders or first responders.

There is currently no recognised national signage of a precise defibrillator location.

They are easily transported, quick to erect, and highly visible to contrast with (typically) green sports fields, but can be used anywhere.

Background

This work was triggered by some cases in which we were involved. Patrick and me ( Marijke - member of JHMT medical group) have been working to improve all phases of defibrillator response, including availability, recognition, localisation, and utilisation.

Regular CPR/AED training has been provided to coaches from Nottinghamshire sports clubs to ensure there is increased awareness of the importance of all phases.

The Under 16 Cliftonettes Netball team hosted a curry and quiz night, raising £6K, which bought 5 pitch-side defibrillators (two for Cliftonettes, one for Colts football club, and two for local schools).

We are both passionate about improving outcomes in these otherwise fit and healthy young people.

Although population screening can find some underlying heart problems, too many sudden collapses are unexpected and unexplained and will not be avoided by screening. Screening can sometimes cause more harm than good. Every week in the UK, 12 young people will collapse and die from a sudden cardiac arrest.

Population first aid training, defibrillator availability, and rapid deployment are the critical factors to improve outcomes.

Ensuring that an AED reaches someone when they have had a sudden collapse can be a challenge. It takes time to run to the nearest AED, and sometimes the location can be unknown until the 999 call has been made.

Project three minutes wants to make a difference by improving the time from collapse to first shock. Using a flag to make sure the AED is visible at all bigger sports events can make a big difference. This project is especially aimed at big events where a portable unregistered AED is carried by coaches and not always visible.

Over the past few years, defibrillators (AEDs) have become more and more common around the UK. The target time from collapse to defibrillator use is only

Back at the sports match: While you stand by the sideline of the sports field, you spot a large orange flag pointing to an AED underneath it. You scan the QR code and see the familiar information about how to do CPR and although you knew it vaguely, seeing it again reminds you what you should do. As for the AED: well, it's there, and now you have given it some thought you think you would act if anything happened. You scan the fields and see your child running around trying to get the ball. You hope with all your heart that you would never have to do this to anyone you love so much….

Project three minutes case study:

By Jessica Daly, runner at Hinckley Running Club

As members of a running club, we are very aware that whilst infrequent, sadly there have been incidents at running events where athletes have gone into respiratory or coronary difficulties and that maybe the wider knowledge of the use of and whereabouts of a defibrillator could have changed the outcome of some of these incidents.

We decided that we wanted to raise awareness in the local community of the use of an AED so we arranged for training for members of our club where we refreshed our knowledge or learned how to perform effective CPR as well as having practical training in the use of an AED and the types of incident where these can help.

Understanding the importance of having such equipment close at hand to administer within 10 minutes of an athlete experiencing difficulties, we successfully applied to our local council for a grant towards the purchase of an AED and the equipment was then quickly sourced.

We were introduced during our training to the idea of an AED locator flag which indicated the position of the equipment enabling it to be found quickly in an emergency. Knowing that some of our club events are cross country meetings with little or no facilities available, we decided that the purchase of a locator flag was important to highlight to everyone at the event that as well as the first aid team's equipment, a second defib was available at the Hinckley Running Club tent at that event.

We now take the AED and flag to running events in which we participate, and use the flag to raise awareness of its presence. We also store the device at our local parkrun venue meaning that a second AED is available for their use too.

Having the AED on hand is reassuring for everyone present at the event, but the use of a locator flag we feel is imperative as its bold, bright design clearly indicates the position of the equipment for all to see.

Project three minutes feature by:
Marijke van Eerd, Paediatric Advanced Clinical Practitioner
Children and Young People's emergency department Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust & member of the JHMT Medical group & Patrick Davies, PICU consultant, Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust

To find out more information about the fly the flag scheme go to www.project3minutes.com

So How Can The JHMT Help?

The JHMT have pioneered the Joe's Mini Heartstart for Sports programme which provides free training for club members, supporters, coaches and officials which is endorsed by BHF and Leicester City Council. They also provide help and support to Leicester and Leicestershire community sports clubs who are wanting to purchase a defibrillator. Information on cost, choosing the right defibrillator and how to purchase including useful contacts can be found at: https://www.jhmt.org.uk/community-aeds

More than just a game – being PREPARED is key

JHMT advocate the need for sports clubs, groups and organisations at all levels to be prepared and ready to deal with a cardiac emergency. Players and club officials, in addition to club coaches and volunteers, have a vital role to play by knowing how to apply CPR and how to use a defibrillator.

JHMT is also very committed to maximising the availability of Defibrillators to the wider community. In essence, rather than having the Defibrillator locked away in a pavilion and therefore inaccessible for much of the time, JHMT seeks to actively encourage the placing of Defibs in an external Cabinet so that it is available to the wider community 24/7. This encouragement includes, where circumstances are suitable, donating an external Cabinet to the Club, with the only cost to the Club being that of fitting (including an associated electrical feed for the defibrillator).

SCA happen to Anyone, Anywhere, Anytime and any AGE– including seemingly fit and healthy young people, 12 – 35 years old due to undiagnosed heart conditions like SADS. Recognising any warning signs and acting promptly (with more people trained in basic CPR skills and being familiar with and having quick access to a defibrillator, including players, coaches, officials and having quick access to an AED ) can mean the difference between life and death.'

To find out more on how Joe's Trust ( JHMT) can help your club/ organisation to create a heart safe sporting and community environment go to https://www.jhmt.org.uk/impact

"Wherever sport is played, a defibrillator should be on site and readily accessible. When every second counts, it could be the difference between life and death. Immediate CPR is crucial whilst the defibrillator is brought to the patient and it's also vital that as many people as possible have CPR skills, including players, officials and spectators as they may be the closest to where someone has collapsed." – Charles Poole – JHMT

There is a lot of research which has shown that prompt CPR and early defibrillation gives better survival. In the UK survival after out-of-hospital cardiac arrest is under 10%. Having an AED at your pitches, clubhouse or with the coaches enables much quicker defibrillation should disaster strike. In many sports areas if you don't have a AED on site then, on average, it will take between 8 and 16 min to run to a AED and back. If it takes 8 minutes the chance of survival is 20%. With a defibrillator onsite this delay may be more like 2-3 minutes giving a survival rate 70-80%.

So, what can your club do?

There are some easy steps to ensure your club is as safe as can be:

1. Encourage members, coaches, parents, volunteers, players, officials to sign up and complete the SCA eLearning module – go to: ww.ukcoaching.org/sca
2. Through the Joe's Mini Heart-Start for sports clubs programme, JHMT can provide free CPR and defibrillator training to your members. For further details email JHMT – jhmt@jhmt.org.uk
3. Have a defibrillator at your club which is readily accessible. For further help and support email JHMT – jhmt@jhmt.org.uk.
4. See Resuscitation on the field of play: a best-practice guideline from Resuscitation Council UK: https://bjsm.bmj.com/content/bjsports/early/2024/09/03/bjsports-2024-108440.full.pdf
5. To find out more on how Joe's Trust ( JHMT) can help your club/ organisation to create a heart safe sporting and community environment go to impact

New students joining Loughborough College's Talented Athlete Support Scheme (TASS) Dual Career Programme are set to receive vital life-saving training at an upcoming workshop on campus. The session, organised by the Joe Humphries Memorial Trust (JHMT), aims to equip young athletes with essential skills to handle cardiac emergencies.

Dr. Harshil Dhutia, a Consultant Cardiologist at Glenfield Hospital UHL and Medical Lead for JHMT, will lead the workshop with a talk on Sudden Arrhythmic Death Syndrome (SADS) in sport. The presentation will focus on increasing awareness and understanding of heart conditions that can affect athletes and those involved in regular and high-level sports activities. Dr. Dhutia will also discuss how to be better prepared for cardiac emergencies both on and off the field.

Following the talk, students will engage in hands-on training to learn crucial CPR skills and how to use a defibrillator, guided by JHMT's lead trainer, Alan Harrison White.

Steph Tirrell, Elite Sport Manager and Dual Career Coordinator at Loughborough College, highlighted the importance of this training: "It's never far away in the news unfortunately of instances where cardiac emergencies have occurred. Thankfully, more and more of these stories see those impacted surviving, thanks to an understanding of the need for CPR training and how to effectively use defibrillators to support life. Our TASS induction evening, in conjunction with JHMT, gives our learners an ideal opportunity to ensure they're equipped with these life-saving skills".

This event is part of a broader national initiative by UK Coaching to promote the online Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA) digital toolkit qualification for sports coaches at all levels. The initiative emphasises the importance of defibrillators across the entire sports and physical activity sector.

"We are thrilled to be part of this initiative that not only raises awareness but also trains coaches to handle life-saving situations," Tirrell added.

TASS Scheme:

Loughborough College is one of few colleges in the country to offer TASS Accreditation for FE learners. The college achieved the accreditation in May 2018 after years of work supporting, guiding and mentoring learners and elite athletes manage education and elite sport performance. The national recognition was reward for this work and the college now has two Dual Career Coordinators who can support up to 60 athletes in managing their lifestyle, education programme, training and competition, as well as regular workshops.

The college support includes advice on nutrition, hydration, finance, lifestyle management, scholarships as well as regular support meetings. The DCC's will help you manage your time and training workloads, prepare for assessment deadlines while also working with coaches, fitness and have links with other elite sport support teams.

Since 2018 the college TASS programme has supported World record holders, European champions, and international athletes from team sports as well as helping the progress of gymnasts, runners, pole vaulters, netball players, footballers and golfers. Our learners study a variety of topics from Engineering, A' levels, Art, Public Services and Sport.

If you are competing at national level or above and want to be part of the TASS dual career scheme complete the following application form and return it to sportadmin@loucoll.ac.uk

The inherited cardiac conditions service at UHL has continued to deliver high quality specialist care for patients with #ICCs and their family members across the midlands.

Capacity

The capacity of the service to see patients in clinic has increased exponentially over the last year, with initiation of two new nurse led clinics.

Chloe Ferguson (@ChloreFerg3), ICC specialist nurse offers a dedicated weekly screening clinic for first degree family members of patients with ICCs such as #cardiomyopathy, #channelopathy and #SADS.

Historically, genetic testing for patients with #ICCs in Leicester was undertaken at the department of clinical genetics at the Leicester Royal Infirmary. Chloe now facilitates a weekly diagnostic genetics clinic at Glenfield hospital, providing in house genetic counselling and opportunities for patients with clinical diagnosis of an ICC to undergo #genetic testing. This has significantly reduced the waiting times for patients to be offered genetic counselling and testing, providing an earlier genetic diagnosis and an earlier opportunity for at risk family members to undergo predictive genetic testing.

https://www.leicestershospitals.nhs.uk/aboutus/our-news/press-release-centre/2024/one-stop-clinics-put-patients-at-heart/

Accessibility and convenience

The ICC service offers an integrated assessment of patients with ICCs from diagnosis to risk stratification to treatments. To enable families to be seen together in a convenient one-off appointment, the ICC clinic at UHL now runs as a one-stop clinic where patients get access to specialist nursing, cardiac genetic counselling, cardiac pharmacy review and access to cardiac physiology testing such as ECG and echocardiography as well as phlebotomy at the same clinical appointment.

One Stop clinics have significant benefits to the NHS in alleviating pressure on targets for treatment. In the traditional model a patient must pass through a minimum of 2 appointments before receiving their diagnosis and being listed for their treatment. Time lapses between each appointment for administrative tasks and standard processing to take place. The one stop ICC clinic has reduced unnecessary outpatient appointments, saving administration resources, clinic space, clinic costs, and reduced time waiting for patients improving the care pathway and experience.

New therapies

The ICC clinic at Glenfield hospital was the one of the first centres in the country to offer a novel treatment called Mavacamten, a myosin inhibitor for patients with #hypertrophic cardiomyopathy #HCM. This is a specialist commissioned treatment, limited to ICC services like that at Glenfield hospital with expertise in the comprehensive care for patients with #HCM

Patients with #HCM are often very symptomatic and have a progressive functional limitation and poor quality of life because of their condition. Previously, there were no dedicated medical treatment options for patients with #HCM and patients may require invasive treatment such as open-heart surgery to improve their symptoms.

Mavacamten was designed specifically for patients with HCM and works by reducing excess contraction of the heart and reduces the obstruction to blood flow out of the heart which occurs to #HCM. In clinical trials, the drug has been shown to significantly improve symptoms, exercise capacity and quality of life as well reducing the need for patients to go forward to open-heart surgery.

Further information:
https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ta913
https://www.camzyos.co.uk/public
https://4hcm.org/myosin-inhibitors/

Education and training

The ICC service in collaboration with the JHMT is heavily invested in raising awareness of #ICCs such as #SADS by delivering regional and national teaching of healthcare professionals. Some of the highlights are below:

In June, Chloe delivered training on behalf of the East Midlands genomic services on Sudden Cardiac Death, Genetic testing and showcase the role of the Inherited Cardiac Condition (ICC) Nurse. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sjfK9F6M-VI

Also in June, Dr.Dhutia was invited to speak at the PREMIER Conference 2024, tailored exclusively for paediatric emergency medical professionals in the United Kingdom. He delivered a session on sudden cardiac death in the young. https://www.piernetwork.org/premier.html

Quality Improvement

Quality improvement is a key focus of the ICC service in Leicester. We are proud that the ICC service was one of the 6 original centres across the UK involved in the @ BHF sudden cardiac death pilot project (https://openaccess.sgul.ac.uk/id/eprint/115084/1/s00292-022-01143-8.pdf) aiming to standardise management following SCD, ensuring expert-post mortem, retention of tissue at post-mortem for genetic testing and prompt signposting/ evaluation of at-risk surviving family members in the ICC clinic. Based on the success of the pilot, the project has now expanded, recruiting more sites to ensure more equitable access across the country.

More Information/Referrals

If you or a family member feel you would benefit from the UHL ICC service, please do not hesitate to contact the team via inheritedcardiacconditions@uhl-tr.nhs.uk

For more information on ICCs: https://www.jhmt.org.uk/icc-clinic
For information on JHMTs contribution to the ICC service: https://tinyurl.com/337sj879

ICC Patient case study: Rachel's Heartfelt story

Whilst it is vitally important to use this week to raise awareness of SADs, it is also important to remember that exercise has many benefits particularly in terms of physical and mental wellbeing. It is well known that exercise plays a key role in preventing and treating a range of cardiometabolic diseases including reducing the risk of heart attacks and strokes, and can help regulate blood glucose to reduce the risk of developing Type II diabetes. Exercise can also help regulate blood pressure and depending on the type of exercise can be beneficial for bone density, reducing the risk of osteoporosis developing in later life. Exercise can also be great for increasing energy expenditure, helping to control weight management. But exercise has many more pluses than just physical benefits. For many, it can play a key role in positive mental health. Exercise can act as a great stress reliever, improve mood and provide an engaging social aspect. It can help reduce anxiety and be a great way to meet new people.

There is a variety of research into the type of exercise that is beneficial, with benefits associated with different activities including running, walking, cycling, team sports, and high intensity sprints to name a few. As a general rule of thumb if heart rate increases then there is a likely beneficial effect. There is even some evidence to suggest that simple activities such as reducing time sitting by standing at your desk can increase energy expenditure. As a guide the NHS and American College of Sports Medicine suggests that healthy adults aged 18-65 take part in moderate intensity physical activity for at least 30 min, five times a week.

It is important to remember to exercise at an appropriate level and intensity to your fitness and progressively build over a number of weeks. If you are new to exercise, the NHS website has some excellent advice about getting started, and the Couch 2 5K programme provides an easily attainable and progressive way to run or walk 5k. A great event to take part in is a parkrun. Held every Saturday at 9am, thousands of people at lots of different venues around the country complete a 5km event that is great at encouraging participation. If you haven't done one before, then find your local run here. All you need to do is print off your barcode before you go. Sport is a great social opportunity, so check out local sports and clubs in your area to see how to get involved.

We have seen this week that a small number of people taking part in exercise can have underlying cardiac problems. It is extremely important that the work of the Joe Humphries Memorial Trust helps support exercise, sport and physical activity by ensuring that as many people as possible are CPR trained and that events and activities have easy access to an AED, so that if something does happen, there is the best chance of survival.

Dr Stephen Mears
Senior Lecturer in Sport and Exercise Nutrition
School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences
Loughborough University

The City of Leicester College is proud to support the Joe Humphries Memorial Trust (JHMT) this October as they mark their annual SADS Awareness week.

SADS stands for Sudden Arrhythmic Death Syndrome, a collective term for a group of deadly genetic heart conditions which cause a disturbance with the heart rhythm and can lead to sudden cardiac arrest. The week marks the tragic passing of 14-year-old Joe Humphries from Rothley who suddenly collapsed and died whilst out jogging on 4th October 2012.

The City of Leicester College currently has five Defibrillators located around the site, including one outside near the playing fields to ensure that the wider community can safely access the building and sports facilities that we offer. In addition to this, JHMT has provided lifesaving training for our SEND Ambassadors on how to deliver CPR and use a Defibrillator. Spreading awareness of SADS amongst our school is incredibly important as it builds students' confidence and supports students at the college that are living with heart conditions to come to school every day feeling safe.

This year, SADS Awareness week launches on Monday 30^th September, and The City of Leicester College will be providing opportunities for our young people to learn more about CPR, sudden cardiac death and SADS prevention.

Strategic Business Lead, Shaun Whiting, stated:

"As the survival rate from cardiac arrest in the UK is less than 10%, this training is vital in saving lives. If bystanders were able to immediately begin CPR, and there was access to a public defibrillator within 8 minutes, the survival rate could increase to 90%. Supporting SADS week means we are working to ensure that our young people and staff are armed with the right knowledge and skills to save lives."

Director of SEND, Laura Pennifold, adds:

"It is so important to us that our young people leave The City of Leicester College having been given opportunities to grow and develop as individuals. Our SEND Ambassadors have relished the opportunity to take part in the CPR and AED training and it has helped them to feel more confident about their ability to take action if they are faced with a life-threatening situation. We are so proud that our students embody our community character pillars (Intellectual, Moral, Community and Performance) and feel that opportunities like this help them to grow in all these areas."

Alan White, Lead Trainer for Resuscitation at the JHMT who has been delivering the training sessions to SEND students at the college said:

"I always enjoy passing on these skills should a person be present at a cardiac arrest. Knowing what to do and expect is vital. Taking part in a cardiac scenario went well and gave the students an insight what a cardiac arrest looks like. Well done to them all."

A heart attack is different from a cardiac arrest – in a cardiac arrest the heart stops pumping and that person will die within 10 minutes without help. A cardiac arrest can happen to a seemingly fit young person. In the UK there are approximately two deaths per day in young people aged 12 – 35: one of them could be your friend! There are two easily understood actions that may save that person's life: the first is prompt CPR and the second is the early application of a defibrillator (AED). Training only takes 30 – 45 minutes. Schools now provide this training and all pupils should ask if they can undertake these lifesaving skills. This means that when you see someone collapse you will not panic, but try and save their life.

Key Links:

• https://www.resus.org.uk/get-involved/restart-heart-day
• https://www.bhf.org.uk/how-you-can-help/how-to-save-a-life/cpr-training-in-schools
• https://www.resus.org.uk/public-resource/cpr-schools
• https://www.resus.org.uk/public-resource/how-do-cpr
• https://www.resus.org.uk/public-resource/defibrillation
• https://www.resus.org.uk/watch
• http://bhf.org.uk/revivr

Learn CPR, act fast, save lives Anyone can be affected by a sudden cardiac arrest at any time, and without intervention, the person will quickly die. When someone collapses and stops breathing normally, it is important to quickly call 999, perform CPR and use a defibrillator. This gives the person their best chance of survival. If reluctant or unable to do rescue breaths, hands-only CPR will still give the person the same chance.

Survival rates from out-of-hospital cardiac arrest remain stubbornly low in the UK, with fewer than one in 10 people surviving.

Restart a Heart (RSAH) is an annual initiative led by Resuscitation Council UK (RCUK) which aims to increase the number of people surviving out-of-hospital cardiac arrests.

Every October an alliance of partners all over the world - including UK Ambulance Services, universities, and other charitable and public sector community-based organisations and first aid training organisations - come together to increase public awareness of cardiac arrests and the number of people trained in lifesaving CPR and defibrillation,

They do this by organising and facilitating training events and also by providing opportunities for people to learn CPR and defibrillation digitally in the safety and comfort of their own homes.

Launching this year on or around 17 October, Restart a Heart 2024 will be focussing on inequalities in resuscitation. A recent RCUK report, Every Second Counts: Tackling inequalities in resuscitation, reveals the huge disparities between rich and poor, and people from different cultural backgrounds, when facing the ultimate medical emergency. Increasing CPR knowledge and training in underserved communities gives everyone an equal chance of surviving a cardiac arrest.

Whether you're hosting an event or attending one, teaching in person or learning online, you have a key role to play in improving survival rates from out-of-hospital cardiac arrest. You can ensure that everyone has a chance to learn CPR and how to use a defibrillator and that those having a sudden cardiac arrest have their best chance of surviving.

Find out how you can get involved at https://www.resus.org.uk/get-involved/restart-heart-day

Location: Rothley to Staunton Harold.

The JHMT annual Bike Ride (no 12!) as part of SADS week will be from Hornecroft in Rothley with an 8.30 am start time- and then proceed on a rural route through Leicestershire and Derbyshire to the cafe at Staunton Harold. The route is 40 miles and we expect it to finish mid afternoon. It is a great way to finish Summer and the Bike Season.

On returning to Rothley there is an option of a team drink at The Woodies pub, Rothley.

The ride is strictly for 16s and over and under 18s must be accompanied by an adult.

This is an informal event and the Trust takes no responsibility for health and safety. Those joining us are assumed to be aware of the Highway Code, experienced cyclists and will bring suitable tools to deal with any mechanical issues! The route is suitable for road bikes.

See below web site with all the route details:
https://hissett.wixsite.com/mysite
https://connect.garmin.com/modern/course/24817366

For further details please contact Simon Taylor on Telephone: 07733 124867.

Come along for the ride, all in aid of a great cause – it is a great favourite with those that have taken part before.

JHMT Inspire Awards small grants - helping young people (13 – 21 yrs old) from the city and county fulfil their potential, develop their talents & make a difference across the community.

JHMT Inspire Awards of up to £500 are handed out to young people aged 13-21 from Leicester and Leicestershire to help them fulfill their ambitions in the fields of music, arts, sports and community endeavour. Since the awards' inception in 2014, more than £37,000 has been awarded to help 166 young people to do some amazing things.

For further info' go to: Inspire Awards

If you want to go the extra mile to help Joe's Trust raise awareness and reduce the incidence of sudden, cardiac death in young people, 12 - 35 years old, please come and join us. It doesn't matter whether you can sponsor an event, taking part in fundraising activities, hand out leaflets for an hour, or make a cup of tea.

Join Joe's growing army of volunteers who go the extra mile to make a difference to help JHMT save young hearts.