Over 410,000 young people in England have tuned in to watch a life saving lesson delivered by TV presenter Claudia Winkleman as part of St John Ambulance’s national Big First Aid Lesson.
The free webinar was streamed live into classrooms to teach young people skills such as how to help someone who’s having an asthma attack or an allergic reaction – both of which are serious conditions that could become fatal if not dealt with promptly. The charity chose the summer-related conditions to help equip pupils ahead of the holidays.
Last year’s event – the first of its kind – reached over 36,000 pupils making this year’s event over 11 times more popular, with over 2,700 schools uniting to watch the lesson.
Claudia Winkleman said: “It’s brilliant that nearly half a million children now have the confidence to help in an emergency. What they have taken away from the Big First Aid Lesson could save a classmate, friend, or family member’s life. I’m proud to be a part of events like these which give young people the opportunity to learn some crucial life saving skills.”
During the lesson, students heard a first-hand account from 12-year-old Kaitlyn Perkins, who used her first aid skills to help her brother when he severely cut his hand, as well as an interview with eight-year-old Sean Irwin who came to the aid of his mother after she knocked herself out cold.
Classrooms also had opportunities to ask the charity’s first aid trainers questions via Google Hangouts.
Sue Killen, CEO, St John Ambulance said: “It’s our aim to arm a generation with life saving skills and today is a huge step in the right direction. With Claudia’s help we are delighted to have made sure that nearly half a million pupils have these basic yet vital skills.
“All young people should have the opportunity to learn first aid and we urge all schools to educate their students with these skills. If you’ve missed the Big First Aid Lesson you can watch it again on our website or find out about our other resources.”
For more information about the Big First Aid Lesson, visit www.sja.org.uk/bigfirstaidlesson