Do resuscitation schemes save lives?

1986 saw the introduction of a training programme, called Save a life or Heartsaver aimed at teaching members of the public basic first aid. From American experience, it was claimed that this campaign could help save many lives by teaching people resuscitation and other life-saving skills. The extent to which these campaigns can and do achieve their objectives is examined, potential weaknesses in this training scheme identified, and suggestions made to bring the training received into line with international practice.