SHOPPERS in Warrington town centre have been getting life saving skills passed on to them a first aid team from St John Ambulance.
The volunteer crew shared their knowledge as part of their Save A Life September campaign, which is fronted by comedian Rufus Hound.
Among those who took part in a series of demonstration workshops in the town centre was teaching assistant Ange Mountford, who is about to start a first aid course as part of her job.
Ange was delighted to be given a heads up from the experts on life-saving techniques such as how to help re-start someone’s heart if they have stopped breathing.
Ange, of West Avenue, Stockton Heath, Warrington, was out shopping for the day when she came across the demonstration area.
She was especially interested as she is about to begin a first aid course as part of her work as a teaching assistant at Beamont Collegiate Academy, Long Lane, Warrington.
She said: “I’ve been asked to learn first aid as part of my job. I’m really looking forward to the course.
“So seeing the team here today and seeing how they perform different techniques is a big help for me. They do a great job.
“First aid is one of the most important skills anyone can have, particularly when working like I do with large groups of people.”
Now in its fifth year, the St John Ambulance Save a Life September campaign teaches thousands of people vital skills for free through demonstrations at major venues such as shopping centres, train stations, stadiums, and town centres.
It also distributes free first aid guides so everyone can remember the key ways to save a life.
Youth Leader Kerrie Gleave, who grew up in Warrington, has been a St John Ambulance member for 13 years since she was aged 12.
She said: “Our aim is to show people simple techniques such as how to help someone who is severely bleeding, what to do if a person falls unconscious, how to put them in a recovery position and how to perform CPR.
“We’re also keen to encourage more people into the charity and to sign up for our first aid courses. Knowing what to do in an emergency is so important, all our team here have learned that through the work we do.”
Kerrie and her fellow first aiders are regularly posted to Warrington Wolves games to administer first aid in the event of any spectators falling ill or otherwise needing help.
Anyone interested in joining a course can contact the St John Ambulance regional headquarters on0161 4430100 or visit the website: www.sja.org.uk
