MP Backs Heart Campaign and Urges Constituents to Sign Up

1.43.08pm UTC (GMT +0000) Mon 22nd Jan 2007

MP Susan Kramer today backed a British Heart Foundation campaign to raise awareness about the warning signs of a heart attack. She urged constituents not to delay ringing 999 if they or someone in their family experienced chest pain.

Backing the 'Doubt Kills' initiative new figures show that only 9 per cent of people in London have received training to assist someone experiencing a heart attack.

Susan Kramer said:

" People are often reluctant to dial 999 but when someone has chest pain its important to take steps to call the emergency service.

" It is also important that more people take advantage of the Heartstart UK scheme run by the British Heart Foundation which offers simple skills that can save a life.

" If this was taught in schools then we would have thousands of people who could help someone in a medical emergency until the paramedics arrive."