University of Bristol Students Join Weston-super-Mare Cardiac Arrest Survival Research Programme
By Josh Bell, Charities Correspondent
Five University of Bristol students have joined the Cardiac Arrest Survival Research Programme for 2026/27, marking an exciting new chapter in efforts to improve cardiac arrest survival acrossWeston-super-Mare and the surrounding communities.
The students, from the University's Biomedical Sciences and Physiological Sciences courses, recently attended their first meeting with the programme team as they began their involvement in the initiative.
The new cohort comprises Wai Hong Cheng (Rocky), Shafwat Kabir, Farah Nabulsi, Scarlett Heaton-Smithand Isaac Walters.
During the programme, students will explore key areas of cardiac arrest research, including CPR, defibrillation, access to automated external defibrillators (AEDs), clinical simulation and community emergency preparedness.
Working alongside clinicians, researchers and community partners, they will investigate how research can translate into practical improvements in public awareness, resuscitation education and emergency response.
Founded and led by Josh Bell, the programme aims to bring together academic research, clinical knowledge and community experience to help improve survival and outcomes following cardiac arrest.
Josh and the wider team believe that involving university students in meaningful, community-focused research provides an important opportunity to develop new ideas while contributing to a cause that has the potential to save lives.
The programme has also announced the launch of its dedicated website, providing information about its aims, activities and future developments.
The team would like to thank Dr Stephen Harmer, Dr Richard Heyler, Josh Bell, Ellie Harris and Peter Elston for their continued work and support, as well as everyone who helped make the first student meeting a success.
Welcoming the new cohort represents another positive step forward for the programme, with an exciting year of research, learning and collaboration ahead.
The Cardiac Arrest Survival Research Programme website is now live:
https://donatefordefibwsm.co.uk/cardiac-arrest-survival-research-programme/
