Vinnie Jones Joins Sky Bet's 'Every Minute Matters' Campaign to Promote CPR

Vinnie Jones Teams Up with British Heart Foundation to Promote CPR Training

With just 48 hours to go until the transfer window closes, Vinnie Jones, the former Wimbledon midfielder and Hollywood actor, has joined the British Heart Foundation (BHF) in an exciting initiative aimed at increasing awareness of CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) among football fans across the UK.

The Restarting 11: A Powerful Movement

Vinnie is now part of the "Restarting 11" – a unique team comprising football stars and real-life heroes whose mission is to educate fans on the importance of knowing CPR. His involvement is expected to provide a significant boost to the BHF’s Every Minute Matters campaign going into the 2024/25 football season.

A Longstanding Relationship with BHF

Jones’s connection with the BHF dates back to his impactful participation in the 2012 ‘Hands-Only’ CPR campaign, where he helped raise awareness and saved lives. His new role will harness his popularity to encourage more people to learn this potentially lifesaving skill.

Insights from the Latest Football Fan Survey

A recent survey conducted by Sky Bet, which involved 3,000 football fans, revealed critical gaps in the knowledge and confidence surrounding CPR:

• 44% have been in situations where CPR was needed.
• 42% of fans have never received CPR training.
• 45% believe they would lack the confidence to perform CPR during an emergency.

Furthermore, the survey identified that 29% of fans don't know where to learn CPR, and many hold misconceptions about the training process.

Overcoming Barriers to Learning CPR

Common barriers cited by fans include:

• Misunderstanding the complexity of CPR training (46% think multiple sessions are necessary).
• Fears about making mistakes while administering CPR (25% worry about causing more harm).

This campaign aims to address these issues and demonstrate that learning CPR can be straightforward and fast.

Vinnie's Call to Action

As part of the initiative, Vinnie Jones will star in a humorous social media skit aimed at motivating fans to learn CPR in his charismatic style. Shot at the home ground of AFC Wimbledon, this engaging content will serve as a call to action for fans to participate in saving lives.

Learning CPR with RevivR

Vinnie is advocating for the BHF's innovative tool, RevivR, which allows anyone to learn CPR in just 15 minutes using a phone and a cushion. Since its launch in May, nearly 70,000 people have started to learn CPR through this online platform.

The Every Minute Matters Campaign

The Every Minute Matters campaign, launched in partnership with Sky Bet, aims to donate up to £3 million for the BHF and reach a target of 270,000 CPR learners. Already, Sky Bet has raised significant funds through donations linked to stoppage-time goals scored in various leagues.

The Importance of CPR

With over 30,000 out-of-hospital cardiac arrests occurring annually in the UK, and survival rates dramatically increasing with immediate CPR, the campaign stresses the urgency of equipping fans with these critical skills. Dr. Charmaine Griffiths of the BHF notes that Vinnie’s involvement can propel the movement forward.

The Impact of Football on Health Awareness

As Graeme Souness, co-manager of the Restarting 11, highlighted, Vinnie's persona can inspire both fans and players alike to support the initiative. He stated, “Every, Minute, Matters.” This slogan underscores the critical nature of learning CPR, as each moment without intervention can significantly reduce chances of survival.

Conclusion

Vinnie Jones’s partnership with Sky Bet and the British Heart Foundation marks a pivotal moment in raising CPR awareness among football fans. By leveraging his influence and charisma, the campaign aims to empower individuals to overcome their fears, learn CPR, and potentially save lives. Join the movement, learn CPR, and be a heart hero!