In Poland, nearly 100 people die each day from sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) - even though their lives could have been saved by the immediate response of witnesses and the undertaking of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). Unfortunately, at present, only one in five cases outside of the hospital are life-saving measures taken. Meanwhile, statistics show that properly performed CPR can increase a victim's chances of survival by 2-3 times.
To raise public awareness and skills in first aid, a unique educational event, "Galanta CPR Lesson," will be held in Lodz on October 16, 2025 (Thursday), in observance of World Restart a Heart Day.
The meeting will be held at the Józef Żyliński Sports Arena at 2 Unia Lubelska Ave. from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. This is the hall next to the Atlas Arena, which together with the Municipal Stadium forms the Lodz Sports Center!
Education, engagement and a record!
"Galanta CPR Lesson" is the eleventh edition of the event, whose initiator and main organizer is Zbigniew Pietrzak - a promoter of first aid education. This year's event is under the Honorary Patronage of the Minister of Health, the Minister of National Education, the Governor of Lodz, the Marshal of the Lodz Voivodship and the Mayor of the City of Lodz.
The event will be attended by 1,423 participants - symbolically referring to the year in which Lodz was granted city rights. Among them will be elementary and high school students, NGO volunteers, uniformed service officers, representatives of companies and rescue groups, as well as senior citizens from Lodz's Healthy and Active Senior Centers.
The highlight of the program will be the "Beating of the Record in First Aid" and the Attempt to Break the Official Polish Record in the category of "Largest lesson in cardiopulmonary resuscitation". The event will be verified by a representative of the Bureau of Records in Poznan. The current record of 953 people is to be broken.
Participants will alternate for 30 minutes performing CPR on phantoms, under the guidance of certified educators who will give prior CPR instruction to infants, children, adults and even... dogs.
Safety and awareness
The event will also feature an educational panel, "MY SAFETY!", in which uniformed and emergency services will talk about safety rules for first aid and the importance of responding quickly in life-threatening situations.
Sudden cardiac arrest is a condition in which every minute determines survival. It often takes several minutes until the ambulance arrives - so it is crucial that witnesses to the event are able to act immediately. In Scandinavian countries or the Czech Republic resuscitation is undertaken by as many as 70-80% of witnesses. In Poland - still less than half. "Galanta CPR Lesson" is intended to change this.
Schedule
Galanta CPR Lesson
October 16, 2025 - Sport Arena in Lodz, Poland.
9:00 - Opening of the doors of the sports hall
10:00 - Entrance of the participants in dedicated CPR points
11:00 - Start of the event
11:30 - CPR instructions
12:00 - Main point of the event - alternate performance of CPR
- Beating the record in first aid (GOCC)
- Attempt to break the Polish Record "The largest CPR lesson"
12:30 - Organizational part
- Verification of the guidelines of the judge of the Bureau of Records
- Ceremony of thanking partners
12:50 - Verdict of the judge of the Bureau of Records
13:00 - Completion of the "Gallant CPR Lesson"
