The initiative will provide free, basic CPR training – equipping supporters with the confidence to act swiftly in emergency situations, both at the stadium and in their everyday lives. 

Earlier this week, the MELISSA bus visited Newcastle United’s Training Centre, where Shola Ameobi joined members of the NHS to demonstrate the importance of CPR awareness. 

SHOLA AMEOBI SHOWS SUPPORT 

The former Magpies striker Ameobi urged as many fans as possible to participate in the initiative: “It’s critical to know what to do in the moments after someone suffers a cardiac arrest.  

“This type of education is so important, particularly at a football stadium with such a diverse range of age groups. We should all make ourselves comfortable with the process to ensure we can step up if a situation occurs. Understanding CPR and the use of defibrillators, alongside knowing where to find first-responders, could save a life.” 

EXPERT PERSPECTIVE 

Stephen Cooper, MELISSA Service Lead, emphasised the importance of raising CPR awareness through the ‘Make the Save’ campaign: “Ischaemic heart disease is the leading cause of death in men, with over 115,000 out-of-hospital cardiac arrests reported to the ambulance services in the UK each year.   

“We’ve all seen incidents on the pitch and in the stands: ‘Make the Save’ aims to empower members of the public to step in and save lives. On matchday, resuscitation officers will offer fans quick sessions around recognising cardiac arrest, performing compressions and how to use a defibrillator. This can be the difference between life and death.” 

ABOUT THE NHS MELISSA BUS 

The MELISSA bus is a specially designed double-decker which delivers healthcare education and training, across the North East and North Cumbria. With a sell-out crowd at St. James’ Park this weekend, fans are encouraged to take the chance to join the growing number of people equipped with lifesaving CPR skills.