FAMILIES whose loved ones are recovering from heart attacks have been given life-saving training in case it happens again.

The British Red Cross linked up with the Poole Heart Support Group to offer first aid training in this pioneering project, which launched this month.

Patients are now referred to the group when they are discharged from the cardiac unit at Poole Hospital.

Red Cross First aid trainer Peter Juniper said: “Knowing how to spot the signs of a heart attack, and how to help in those first few minutes is vital in being able to save someone’s life, and can reduce how long it will take to recover in the long run.

“Our training courses will be held in sports halls and local centres around the county, making them accessible to not just those who have suffered a heart attack themselves, but also for their family, friends and neighbours.”

The initiative was started by the Practice Development Unit for Cardiology and Medicine, which meets to improve standards at the cardiac unit at Poole Hospital.

Dr Isobel Smart, president of the British Red Cross in Dorset, has been a member of the group for three years.

She said: “Quite often when someone is recovering from a heart attack their overwhelming thought is ‘what do I do if it happens again?’ This partnership is all about giving our patients and their family members the confidence to know what to do.”

The course is free and students will get a first aid certificate, which is valid for three years.

The one was held on Friday November 14 at Canford Sports Centre in Wimborne.