Over 3,000 school pupils within Staffordshire have been trained in vital lifesaving skills by West Midlands Ambulance Service.
Ambulance staff and volunteers have now delivered the British Heart Foundation’s HeartStart course to over 40 schools within the County, with many more planned.
The HeartStart course is a free two hour course aimed at anyone 10 years of age and up. The course teaches basic life support techniques including CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation), the management of severe bleeding, loss of consciousness, choking and chest pain.
During the course participants get the opportunity to view film footage of a variety of medical emergency scenarios.
This DVD footage is accompanied by practical demonstrations delivered by ambulance staff and volunteers, providing pupils with the opportunity to get more hands on.
Matt Heward, WMAS Community Response Manager said: “The pupils appeared to really enjoy the course and were really engaged with the practical elements. “The team have now visited 40 schools, training thousands of pupils, as well as delivering umpteen courses within the wider community. We have received some excellent feedback, which goes to prove that that course really is suitable and interesting for people of all ages.
“The fact that over 3,000 youngsters are now trained in skills they may not have previously had is an excellent achievement. I would like to thank all the HeartStart instructors for all their tireless efforts, as well as all the schools who have recognised the value of such lifesaving courses.”
For more information about HeartStart or to book on to a free course please visit www.wmas.nhs.uk/ourservices/heartstartstaffs.aspx, email the team via heartstartstaffordshire@wmas.nhs.uk or call 01785 237341.
