CHILDREN at a Willington school have been learning first aid skills so they can help in an emergency.
A first aider from St John’s Ambulance visited St Stephen’s School to teach children in years five and six lifesaving skills.
About 60 pupils took part in the hands-on sessions, which were led by Eric Leach, who has been working with St John’s Ambulance since September.
They learned important skills including what to do if they found someone unconscious and how to clear an airway.
Year five teacher Joanne Binks said: “This really came about because one of the teachers at the school wanted her daughter to learn first aid and we decided it should be something they all get to do.
“It’s really important – a lot of children will be in situations where they’re playing out or at home and it could happen. A lot of them wouldn’t know what to do.”
Mr Leach said: “I used to be a teacher so I love this. It’s probably the best thing St John’s Ambulance does and the kids are great.
“In Scandinavian countries they have this sort of thing on the curriculum and it should be on ours really. It’s so important and the younger people learn it the better.”
This is the first time the school has worked with St John’s Ambulance but now hopes the classes will take place every other year to ensure all children leaving St Stephen’s have a basic understanding of first aid.
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