YEAR 9 students at Melksham Oak School have received life-saving CPR instruction and basic first aid training from South West Ambulance Service staff.
The training day was organised by South West Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust’s (SWASFT) emergency care assistant, Lindsay Bown, who believes that all students could benefit from learning life-saving skills.
Joining Lindsay on the day were other members of the SWASFT team, as well staff from Wiltshire Air Ambulance, who had all given up their free time to attend. The full day of training covered basic life support, primary survey, wounds and burns and the recovery position.
There was also a special surprise for the Year 9 students, that proved to be quite an inspiration. “We were lucky enough to have an ambulance join us for the day for the students to look at and there was a lot of fun putting the sirens and lights on.
“We also showed the students the equipment on the ambulance and how we use it.
“Many of the students showed an interest in the ambulance service, talking about their futures and a possible career within the service. I hope Melksham Oak staff and students enjoyed the day as much as we enjoyed teaching them. If one student can help save a life one day, then our job is done.
“I strongly believe that basic life support, general first aid and CPR should be taught in both primary and secondary schools. These skills can save people’s lives.”
