World Restart a Heart (WRAH) Day 2025 provided a vital opportunity to advance CPR awareness and life-saving skills across Saint Lucia and Dominica, reflecting their ongoing commitment to building resilient communities.
This year’s campaign featured two cornerstone initiatives:
School and Workplace Engagement
Interactive CPR education sessions were delivered to empower students and employees with essential life-saving techniques. These virtual sessions brought together key stakeholders across both islands, including:
- ISRAAID – Dominica
- Office of Disaster Management – Dominica
- Youth Emergency Action Committees – Dominica (YEAC)
- TVET Unit, Ministry of Education, Sustainable Development, Innovation, Science, Technology and Vocational Training
- Lewis is for Emergency (L.I.F.E)
- Youth Emergency Action Committees – Saint Lucia (YEAC)
- St John Association of Saint Lucia
Over 500 participants, primarily students aged 12–17, engaged in these sessions. The initiative highlighted the importance of early CPR education and the role it plays in building resilient communities.
Public Demonstrations and Outreach
Pop-up CPR stations were hosted at high-traffic locations across Castries, Saint Lucia, including malls, parks, bus shelters, restaurants, markets, and community events. Partnering organisations included:
- Mercy Corps
- Lewis is for Emergency (L.I.F.E)
- Youth Emergency Action Committees – Saint Lucia (YEAC)
- Ministry of Health, Wellness and Elderly Affairs
- St John Association of Saint Lucia
Teams of first aiders, instructors, and support staff engaged with over 300 citizens in hands-on CPR demonstrations. Mercy Corps conducted an enumeration exercise during the event.
Participant feedback was overwhelmingly positive. Highlights included:
- Increased awareness and understanding of CPR techniques
- Recognition of CPR as a vital, life-saving skill
- Appreciation for the interactive, hands-on format
- Strong support for community-based preparedness initiatives
One particularly moving moment came from a participant who had recently lost her son to drowning. When asked if she knew CPR, she responded, “If I did, my son would not have died.” Despite her grief, she actively participated in the demonstration—powerfully reinforcing the urgency and value of these community trainings.
Emergency Preparedness Giveaways
To further support public engagement, a range of emergency response items were distributed, including:
- Compact first aid kits
- Hand-crank radios
- Seatbelt/window cutters
- Ponchos
- Hurricane whistles
- Stress balls
- Waterproof/fireproof document protectors
- Mosquito repellent bracelets
- Tote bags
- Flashlights
Impact and Reflection
World Restart a Heart Day 2025 reached over 800 individuals across Saint Lucia and Dominica. Through strategic partnerships, targeted outreach, and heartfelt engagement, the campaign reinforced the critical importance of life-saving skills and community preparedness.
The event served as a powerful reminder of our shared mission: to promote a culture of resilience, compassion, and readiness, equipping communities with the knowledge and tools to save lives.
