HOSPITAL staff took part in a bid to break the world record for the number of people being taught cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) in two hours.

Staff from East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust (ELHT) taught 65 people CPR between 9.09am on Monday (October 9) and 11.09am, more than double the 25 they had hoped for.

The attempt, which took place in the main entrance of Burnley General Teaching Hospital, was part of a country-wide effort to break the world record for the number of people being taught cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) in two hours.

It saw staff explain CPR, train CPR and allow people to carry it out themselves on 'dummy dolls' in a bid to save lives.

The event was help to mark the 50th anniversary of the inception of emergency medicine, which the Royal College of Emergency Medicine is celebrating this year.

A spokesman for ELHT said the event had proved 'really good success.'

The spokesman said: "From our point of view, the event was a really good success as we aimed for 25 people to be taught CPR in two hours, so to get 65 was fantastic.

"The event is a great opportunity to educate and inspire people about the work our A&E staff do, as well as pass on an important life-skill.

"The main theme of the event – besides the world record attempt - is Learn a Skill….Save a Life!

"Emergency Medicine is so important in East Lancashire and has made a real difference to the lives of millions. "When an individual suffers an out-of-hospital heart attack, his survival depends greatly on receiving immediate CPR from a bystander. CPR is a life-saving technique that helps maintain some blood flow to the brain and heart, and can help "buy time" until paramedics arrive with more advanced care.

"We are hopefully that the world record attempt will raise more awareness of CPR and, and ultimately help save lives."

It is not known yet whether the world-record attempt has been successful.