Premier League side Brentford FC are hoping fans take the message promoted on their kits this week to heart.
During their match against Chelsea on Wednesday, October 19, Brentford players wore heart-shaped QR codes on their kits as part of the Resuscitation Council UK’s “Restart a Heart” campaign. When scanned, the QR code directs users to a two-minute video outlining the basics of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).
The “CPQR” code was also featured on screens around the Gtech Community Stadium, on Brentford’s digital platforms and on the cover of the matchday program. CPR demonstrations were also held around the stadium, and two Brentford players were featured in an instructional video posted to social media.
According to Resuscitation Council UK, more than 30,000 out-of-hospital cardiac arrests happen each year in the UK, and every minute without CPR a defibrillation reduces the chances of survival by 10%. A recent poll found that 74% of people in the UK have learned how to perform CPR, but only 44% would feel confident doing it if someone was in a life-threatening situation.
The cause has special meaning for Brentford FC. Their former technical director, Richard Rowan, was only 28 when he suffered a fatal cardiomyopathy issue in November 2018. Brentford’s new training facility, scheduled to open later this year, will be named after him.
“Cardiac health is an issue that is very important to us and to our local community. By putting the heart-shaped ‘CPQR code’ front and centre on our shirts for this match, we are able to use our platform to help teach the basics of CPR,” said Brentford chief executive Jon Varney. “We are urging our fans and those watching to take two minutes to learn the basic skills that could be the difference between a friend or family member surviving a cardiac arrest.”
“We are excited to be partnering with Brentford FC,” added Resuscitation Council UK chief executive Dr. James Cant. “Our aim is to save as many lives as possible through education, training and working in collaboration, to raise vital awareness of cardiac arrest and heart disease.”
Brentford players also wore pre-match tops during warmups with the CPQR code on the back and the logo for the Heart of West London on the front. The Heart of West London is a new partnership between the club and several charities to improve heart health in the local community.
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