5. 90-second Statements

– in the Senedd at 4:07 pm on 16 October 2019.

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Photo of Elin Jones Elin Jones Plaid Cymru 4:07, 16 October 2019

(Translated)

The next item is the 90-second statements, and the first statement is from Suzy Davies.

Photo of Suzy Davies Suzy Davies Conservative

Diolch eto, Llywydd. It's probably no surprise to hear from me on this, but today, 16 October, is Restart a Heart Day. Organisations from across the world are coming together to increase our awareness of just how important it is to have the knowledge and confidence to step in if someone suffers a cardiac arrest. There are training events taking place across Wales, not only today but throughout the rest of the week and the month, and I hope some of you will join me in a training session tomorrow here that's being hosted by Welsh Hearts. Other voluntary organisations are also taking part in this widespread, global movement now.

Members of the public will be coming tomorrow as well, and they can learn how to use a defibrillator and, of course, how to administer CPR if somebody has a cardiac arrest. These skills are just so easy to learn and they save lives, and this is why I'm encouraging you all to come tomorrow, if you can.

When someone suffers a cardiac arrest, their chances of survival plummet by 14 per cent for every minute that passes without treatment, so these skills are so critical. In countries where lifesaving is part of the curriculum, like in Norway and Denmark, as well as certain states in the US, your chances of surviving an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest can be as high as 50 per cent, because the population at large has the skills that they can use. Here in Wales that figure is just 3 per cent. I don't think that's acceptable and I really don't think that's good enough for people here in Wales.

So, whether you've had training before or whether you've never met a Resusci Annie, we all have something we can contribute in the case of an emergency. Your actions could help save a life. Please make sure you attend a training course. Thank you.

Photo of Ann Jones Ann Jones Labour 4:08, 16 October 2019

This Friday, 18 October, is Show Racism the Red Card or Wear Red Day. It's an opportunity for all of us to reflect on the devastating effects that racial abuse can have on everyday life in our schools, communities and even on a sports field.

Nobody can be unaffected by the dreadful scenes from Bulgaria last Monday, involving racist chanting and gestures towards the England football team. The scenes we witnessed were chilling, distressing and, above all else, totally unacceptable, either on the sports field or anywhere else. So, I'm pleased that the Football Association of Wales and the Welsh clubs are supporting the red card month of action to highlight the problem and support the efforts of the campaign to educate us all that racism has no part in any life.

We have a duty to call it out, and that's why I'll be supporting Show Racism the Red Card on Friday. We are a proud sporting nation—wearing red comes naturally to us, whether it's the rugby or the football shirt. But, every time we put that red shirt on, we should pause to remember what the message of Friday is: stand up to racism.

We are a proud nation, proud to celebrate our rich diverse culture, and join other to celebrate in theirs. It's what makes us tick. And we should stand up to those who, by their narrow-minded views, aim to destroy this, especially now as we see race and hate crimes rising. That's why not just this Friday, but every day, we should show racism the red card—dangos y cerdyn coch i hiliaeth. [Applause.]