HUNDREDS of students across Southampton have taken part in life-saving CPR training.

Paramedics from South Central Ambulance Service visited more than 30 schools across the region as part of Restart a Heart Day.

Pupils at Bitterne Park School, Redbridge Community School and Itchen Sixth Form College joined thousands across the country in learning CPR.

SCAS staff and community first responders were supported at venues by police and firefighters who are also trained in first aid.

The day, which features across Europe, is designed to encourage more people to learn how to perform chest compressions if they come across a person in cardiac arrest.

Acting deputy head teacher at Bitterne Park School, Chris Cove, said: "Learning the skills to save a person's life is so important, the opportunity to be able to have professionals come and teach and deliver the training was fantastic.

"So many of the pupils were able to feedback how interesting and enjoyable the experience was and hopefully feel empowered to be able to save a person's life."

More than 150 students from the school took part with members of SCAS, St Mary's Fire Station and trainee doctors from the University of Southampton.

For every minute that passes without CPR starting on a person in cardiac arrest, their chances of survival reduce by ten per cent.

Nic Morecroft, lead community responder manager at SCAS said: "We are delighted once again to be part of Restart a Heart Day which will get thousands more people trained in how to carry out effective CPR and use a defibrillator.

"Anyone can learn these simple skills which one day, could mean you help save someone's life."

It comes after figures revealed that SCAS had the largest survival percentage of people in cardiac arrest.

More than one in ten people found outside hospital in the condition, survived.