Did you know that only nine per cent of the 30,000 people who have a heart attack at home or on the job survive?

Knowing how to initiate cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) could be the difference in saving someone's life.

"The risks of someone you know having a cardiac arrest aren't diminished during the Coronavirus crisis," Dan Gaffney, chief operating officer of Surf Life Saving Services said.

"In fact, with more people isolating at home, it's even more likely that someone you know will have a cardiac arrest in the home environment.

"Outcomes are vastly improved if someone who knows CPR responds quickly, so we created a CPR training program that is perfect for people to do at home while they're isolating."

The new Living Room Lifesavers CPR training program is delivered by qualified trainers using a combination of online e-learning and live virtual classroom instruction using video conferencing technology.

The e-learning component takes about 25 minutes to complete and the live webinar, led by a qualified trainer, takes 60 minutes. The optional, hands-on session takes 90 minutes.

Participants wishing to receive formal accreditation have the option to take a face-to-face, hands-on session after the COVID-19 social distancing requirements are relaxed.

Importantly, the Living Room Lifesavers program provides participants with instruction in safer CPR techniques to reduce the chances of COVID-19 infection.

By removing the breaths component of CPR and instead focusing primarily on quality chest compressions, first responders can help someone experiencing a cardiac arrest while protecting themselves from the risk of contracting COVID-19.

"It is anticipated that the new Living Room Lifesavers program will be popular with families, people working from home who need CPR certification to retain their workplace accreditation," Mr Gaffney said.

Surf Life Saving NSW (SLSNSW) is one of the largest providers of certified CPR training in Australia, with qualified instructors training around 120,000 people every year.

More information is available online.

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