VEREENIGING – Residents can learn life-saving skills during a community event at River Square Shopping Centre on Friday, October 16.

The event takes place from 10:00 to 18:00 at Entrance 3, near Standard Bank, and will include free hands-only cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) training and a blood donation drive.

The event supports World Restart a Heart Day, observed annually on October 16, which encourages members of the public to learn CPR and assist someone experiencing cardiac arrest before emergency services arrive.

Immediate bystander CPR can double or even triple a person’s chances of survival after cardiac arrest.

The local programme will offer practical advice on responding to emergencies, as well as information about emergency contact numbers.

When a heart stops beating, the actions of an ordinary bystander can mean the difference between life and death.

Families are welcome, with opportunities for children to meet emergency personnel and explore emergency service vehicles.

Eligible donors can also support the South African National Blood Service’s blood donation drive.

Participating organisations include Sekuriteit Sonder Grense, River Square Shopping Centre, the South African National Blood Service, ER24, Vaal Emergency Care, CERT, Wide Horizon Hospice, Impilo Occupational Health and Services, Midvaal Private Hospital and Frontline of Hope Ministries.