Surf Life Saving NSW has teamed up with the original “Yellow Wiggle”, Greg Page, to launch a new video demonstrating safe cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) technique during the COVID-19 pandemic.


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The video has been designed to alleviate growing concern in the community about the risk of being exposed to Coronavairus, should anyone be faced with performing CPR on someone having a cardiac arrest or heart attack.



Greg Page recently suffered a cardiac arrest while performing with the Original Wiggles at a bushfire relief concert. His life was saved by four members of the community who performed CPR on him for twenty minutes.



Greg is passionate about sending a message to all Australians that when it comes to saving the life of someone having a heart attack, DOING SOMETHING IS BETTER THAN NOTHING. Anyone can save the life of someone having a heart attack, while minimising the chances of being infected with the COVID-19 virus.



In an unprecedented move, Surf Life Saving NSW has modified the CPR method of alternating chest compressions and breaths. By removing the mouth-to-mouth component of CPR, the risk of being exposed to the Coronavirus is considerably reduced. However, performing chest compressions alone can still be very effective in saving lives.



“People may be afraid to do the breaths, which is understandable. So, if you can, do the chest compressions, because that alone is better than nothing,” said Greg Page.



“In the scheme of resuscitation, the chest compressions are the most important thing because the chest compressions keep the oxygenated blood flowing around the body.



“I had CPR performed on me for around 20 minutes, which is a relatively long time, and thank goodness I have no diminished brain function.



“So, it’s really important to do those good quality chest compressions particularly now in this COVID-19 world we’re living in,” said Greg Page.



The Surf Life Saving NSW COVID-19 CPR community service video (CSA) will be released on YouTube and social media channels today (24 April). It will be made available to broadcast television networks to raise community awareness about safe CPR technique during the COVID-19 pandemic.



Surf Life Saving NSW is one of the largest providers of first-aid and CPR training in Australia. It trains over 115,000 people every year.