The event, which aims to raise £10,000 for the Air Ambulance Charity Kent Surrey Sussex (KSS), will begin at 9am on Friday, February 14, and will continue until 9am on Saturday, February 15.
The marathon will see students and staff participate in continuous CPR sessions.
Members of the KSS helicopter medical team and charity volunteers will also join the marathon, which will take place inside the University of Brighton’s Paramedic Science Suite at the Falmer campus.
(Image: University of Brighton )
The event was the brainchild of paramedic science student Emily Sammut, who was inspired after witnessing KSS in action during her course placement.
Emily said: “Many of us, even as students, have had the opportunity to work alongside KSS on missions and it’s clear how crucial they are as a resource.
“KSS is largely funded by donations and so we wanted to give back to them so they can continue to do the amazing work they have been doing.
“Attempting to complete continuous chest compressions over the 24-hour period is daunting but it is of vital importance that we raise awareness of the lifesaving difference early recognition and CPR can make in saving lives.”
(Image: University of Brighton )
The students also hope to raise awareness of the importance of learning CPR.
More than 80 per cent of cardiac arrests happen in the home and without immediate application of lifesaving measures, only one in ten survive.
Having someone who can administer CPR while waiting for help can dramatically increase the chances of survival.
Angela Glynn, dean of the school of education, sport and health science at the University of Brighton, said: “I’m extremely proud of all our students and cannot praise their commitment and determination highly enough.
“They’ve worked tirelessly to plan this event and make sure it’s as big as possible to help meet their goal of raising £10,000 for this amazing charity.”
KSS helicopters are designed to be flying emergency rooms staffed by specialist doctors and paramedics who quickly respond to treatment scenes across Kent, Sussex and Surrey.
They operate 24/7, 365 days a year and respond, on average, to around nine calls a day.
It costs £56,000 per day to run this lifesaving service, which is largely funded through the generosity and support of people within the charity’s communities.
Ruby Hunt, community fundraiser for Sussex at Air Ambulance Charity Kent Surrey Sussex (KSS), said: “On behalf of Team KSS, I’d like to thank everyone at the University of Brighton for a really great event increasing awareness about the importance of learning CPR and raising vital funds to support the lifesaving work of KSS.
“As an independent charity, we depend on public support.
“Thanks to your donations, we are able to continue flying and saving lives.”
The 24-hour marathon is part of the “Wear red in Feb” campaign to raise awareness of the work that the KSS team do.
People are encouraged to wear red to show their support for the cause.
Anyone wishing to sponsor the students on their marathon 24-hour CPR can do so on the event’s JustGiving page.
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