An introduction from our new President

Welcome to my first blog as President of Resuscitation Council UK.?Having served as Vice President and chaired the Advanced Life Support?subcommittee, I’m thrilled to step into this role at such an exciting time. Over the next three years, my focus will be on working collaboratively to advance our vision: ensuring that everyone has access to lifesaving CPR.? I extend my thanks again to my predecessor Andy Lockey for the fantastic work undertaken during his tenure as President.??

Let’s pause for a moment to reflect on some of those achievements in the last 12 months.

Campaigns

Last year was a landmark year for RCUK. The launch of our Every second counts report marked a pivotal step in addressing inequalities in resuscitation. This year, we’ll build on its recommendations, urging governments, local authorities, and communities to join us in bridging these gaps. Together, we can ensure that everyone has an equal chance of surviving a cardiac arrest.

Following the release of our Quality Standards for Survivors in September and endorsement from the Scottish Minister for Public Health and Women’s Health, we continue to campaign to improve the post-cardiac arrest support offered by the NHS through our My right to cardiac arrest recovery campaign. We aim to gain endorsements for the Quality Standard from key stakeholders across the other nations and further amplify survivor voices through our Survivor Forum Group.

October’s Restart a Heart month saw the launch of ResusReady. By signing up, individuals and businesses are providing vital data that helps us pinpoint areas in need of targeted support. This initiative is a crucial step towards creating a nation where survival from cardiac arrest is within everyone’s reach. Your continued support for our campaigns makes all the difference, and we hope to see even more of you getting involved this year.

Courses

Last year our out-of-hospital neonatal courses were rolled out across the UK, and proof-of-concept trials for our advanced life support in out-of-hospital settings have begun. These courses are essential for equipping healthcare professionals working in the community with the skills needed to deliver high-quality resuscitation. This year, we’ll continue to expand this suite of courses, ensuring even greater reach and impact.

Forums

Both our Early Careers Forum (ECF) and Resuscitation Practitioners Forum (RPF) made significant strides in 2024. Fourteen early-career professionals from different professional backgrounds were selected to join the ECF, and the inaugural RCUK RPF meeting took place in November. These forums are key to fostering the next generation of resuscitation leaders.

Looking ahead to 2025

Our mission to ensure everyone has the skills to save a life continues with renewed vigour. 2025 promises to be a momentous year as we prepare to release the updated RCUK Guidelines. The Clinical and Service Development team, alongside our subcommittees, are working hard to review the evidence and ensure these guidelines reflect the latest research and best practices. You can look forward to their publication in Autumn 2025.

Save the date

Finally, we’re excited to announce that our flagship RCUK Guidelines 2025 conference will take place on 24 and 25 November 2025 at the International Convention Centre in Birmingham. Tickets will go on sale this spring – we hope to see many of you there!

As we embark on this next chapter, I want to thank each of you for your dedication and passion for our shared mission. Together, we’re making a difference – one life at a time.

Gavin Perkins

President, Resuscitation Council UK

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