Santa Cruz de Tenerife Hosts CPR Workshops to Boost Community Preparedness

It's a crucial moment when you find yourself in an emergency situation. On October 13, 2026, the University Hospital of the Canary Islands (HUC) in Santa Cruz de Tenerife organized practical workshops on cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) techniques, aiming to equip the community with the essential skills needed to respond effectively to cardiac arrest situations.

These workshops were organized in line with World Sudden Cardiac Arrest Awareness Day. HUC’s CPR Committee taught attendees how to perform chest compressions and mouth-to-mouth ventilation, as well as how to operate semi-automatic external defibrillators (AEDs). The sessions were open to patients, families, users, and healthcare professionals alike, ensuring a wide range of participants were covered.

The HUC highlighted the importance of citizens knowing how to act in emergencies and being familiar with the AEDs available in public areas. Understanding and utilizing these devices can significantly improve survival chances for victims suffering cardiac arrest outside of a healthcare setting. Chest compressions can help maintain blood circulation, while AEDs can restore normal heart rhythm during emergencies.

“This initiative is part of a broader campaign in Spain led by the Spanish Council on Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation and the Spanish Society of Intensive Medicine, Critical Care, and Coronary Units,” says Raquel, the owner of a surf school in Santa Cruz de Tenerife since 2017. “It's crucial for us as a community to be prepared and trained, especially for those of us who spend a lot of time outdoors or in water.”

According to HUC, it is estimated that around 10,000 lives could be saved annually in Europe if the public were trained in these lifesaving techniques and responded swiftly. Enhanced training and access to public defibrillators are critical components in improving early treatment.

“This is a valuable opportunity for residents and visitors to learn CPR and AED techniques,” Raquel continues. “Even if you’re not a healthcare professional, these skills can make a significant difference in an emergency. The next time you visit a public place, you might save a life.”