Gourock teen leads call for mandatory CPR training in Scottish schools

Wednesday 1st October 2025

A BB member from 2nd Gourock addressed Members of the Scottish Parliament (MSPs) during the ‘Time for Reflection’ segment in Holyrood’s Debating Chamber, telling them about his ‘Pulse of Life’ campaign.

Held at the start of parliamentary business each Tuesday afternoon, ‘Time for Reflection’ offers a platform for invited speakers to share their thoughts on a prominent current issue. Cameron used the opportunity to call for mandatory cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) training in all Scottish high schools.

‘Pulse of Life’ proposes that CPR be taught in S1 (the first year of high school) during a physical education lesson, followed by a refresher in S4 – a step Cameron believes would make meaningful change and potentially save lives.

The campaign is deeply personal to Cameron, who tragically lost his mother to a heart attack in 2022 and, earlier this year, his father to cardiac arrest. He believes that access to CPR training could have made a difference, and is now determined to ensure that others are better prepared in similar emergencies.

Cameron is working closely with his school, Clydeview Academy, which became the first school in Scotland to show recognition for World Heart Day – held annually on 29th September. In support of the campaign, Inverclyde Council also lit up local buildings and monuments in red to raise awareness.

Get Learning: BB leaders wishing to explore this important topic with their young people could check out our First Aid and Skills for Life: Defibrillator themed programmes, both of which are aimed at the Company age group and include activities to help build knowledge of performing CPR.

(Image from scottishparliament.tv)