Make the Save Campaign- SAFC

The Make the Save campaign, led by the Faculty of Patient Safety (FPS) in partnership with regional NHS Foundation Trust volunteers, and local football clubs, aims to improve survival rates from cardiac arrest through public CPR education.

The FPS was established to deliver timely educational resources tailored to the North East and North Cumbria, where cardiac arrest mortality rates among middle-aged men exceed national averages. In 2021, the North East Ambulance Service reported a bystander CPR rate of just 19%, compared to the national average of 43% and London’s 75%. Low CPR rates correlate with areas of social deprivation, though research suggests age and gender also influence willingness to act. MELISSA vehicles now carry Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs), and all the staff are trained in their use.

Cardiac Arrest and Football

Cardiac arrest is a recognized risk in football. FIFA recorded 617 sudden cardiac deaths globally, mostly at amateur level, between 2002–2022; 35 occurred among professional players, with 25 fatalities despite immediate CPR. Studies link major football events to spikes in cardiovascular mortality, and recent reports highlight worsening spectator health post-COVID-19. Incidents at regional stadiums underscore the need for intervention.

Second Official Event

The campaign continued with the second event taking place at The Stadium of Light in Sunderland prior to the match against Tottenham on 12th April 2026.

On the day, the team delivered 68 CPR awareness sessions across 2 hours to individuals and small groups across four stations, to participants aged 7 to 72. Feedback was overwhelmingly positive, with all participants agreeing 'Make The Save' is not only useful but improved their awareness of CPR.

The Faculty of Patient Safety would like to thank all the volunteers for their time and making this initiative a continued and massive success.

Charlie Atkinson

Sophie Lowden

Imogen Allen

Ryan Clark

Future Plans

In 2026, the campaign will be supporting other regional home match day events. If you are interested in volunteering on the day at one of the events please register your interest below. This is open to healthcare staff, resident doctors and students who are BLS or ALS trainers, registered with the Resus Council as trainers or first responders with own medical indemnity.

Interested parties can email contact@northeastsimulation.co.uk.