SCHOOLS in Bracknell, Ascot and Wokingham are being encouraged to help equip a generation of new life-saving first aiders, following the introduction of an updated student first aid programme.

St John Ambulance has launched its latest training scheme in a bid to teach young people the skills which could be the difference between life and death.

Research by the charity shows seven out of 10 students would not know what to do if someone they knew was injured – but the majority of students say they would like to learn first aid.

The new programme offers school staff the flexibility to choose the training option that is right for their students, and fit it around the school day.

Chris Cook, St John Ambulance regional training and community projects manager for the South East, said: “We believe every young person should have the chance to learn vital life-saving skills. First aid also fits into the curriculum in PSHE, PE, science, childcare, and health and social care.

“Our dedicated team of schools trainers can deliver dynamic, practical, fun and interactive first aid training to provide students with the knowledge and confidence to be the difference between a life lost and a life saved.” The course is suitable for young people aged seven and older – and is aimed at both primary and secondary pupils.

It provides a comprehensive introduction to first aid, as well as a ‘build your own course’ option, allowing schools to select individual modules to meet students’ specific needs.

The courses cover skills including how to deal with choking, bleeding and CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation), and can also cover asthma, allergic reactions, seizures, low blood sugar, head injuries and severe bleeding.

Visitors to The Education Show 2014, on March 20-22 at NEC Birmingham, will be able to find out more at stand L49-LL47 and have the chance to win first aid training for their school.

A one-hour course – suitable for a class of 30 students with one trainer – costs £77 plus VAT in total. A four-hour course costs £135 plus VAT and a six-hour course is £200 plus VAT.

For information, or to book first aid training at your school, visit www.sja.org.uk/studentfirstaid, call 0303 003 0101 or email south-east-training@sja.org.uk