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Lifesaving first aid is set to be included in the national school curriculum after years of campaigning. The government’s proposals to teach first aid skills and CPR training – as part of compulsory health education in all schools in England from 2020 – could save thousands of lives, charities say.

Secondary school students would be taught how to administer CPR, as well as basic treatment for common injuries, under plans included in a Department for Education consultation.

And primary school children are set to learn Lifesaving first aid alongside the steps they can take to protect and support the health and wellbeing of others, according to draft guidelines. The British Heart Foundation (BHF), St John Ambulance and British Red Cross – who together form the ‘Every Child a Lifesaver’ coalition – have been campaigning for CPR to be taught in schools.

Less than one in 10 people survive an out of hospital cardiac arrest in the UK, but evidence suggests nearly one in four could survive if all young people are trained with lifesaving CPR skills. The government’s announcement is the result of years of tireless campaigning, and sends a clear message that they are committed to empowering young people with lifesaving skills they will take in to adulthood.

This historic move will transform cardiac arrest survival rates in the years to come.

Martin Houghton-Brown, chief executive of the St John Ambulance, said: “We at St John Ambulance are delighted with the government’s announcement that they intend to make First Aid education mandatory for primary and secondary pupils.

“Lives will be saved, and young people will benefit from developing skills that will build their character and strengthen community resilience.”

Training Solutions NW offer a number of Lifesaving first aid courses that can be delivered directly in a school environment – please click on the link below for full details.

1 Day Emergency First Aid at Work Training for schools

2 Day Paediatric First Aid Training for schools

3 Day First Aid at Work Training for schools

Call Janine or Mark on 0151 515 0416 for further details on our First Aid Courses for schools – delivered directly in your school environment in Liverpool, Manchester and across North Wales.