Three hours training that could save a life

Like a military operation, a dozen first aiders practise a life-saving manoeuvre while spread out in a large circle.

"Good," shouts Paul Wright, a St John Ambulance trainer who served in the Royal Electrical Engineers for 22 years.

"Keep going. Thirty compressions and two breaths."

The group is practising cardiopulmonary resuscitation, known as CPR.

They are all trained first aiders from across the Black Country undergoing a refresher course to renew their qualifications after three years.

None had met each other before, but over two days they become close friends as they hone their life-saving skills at St John's Vicar Street office in Dudley.

Arthur Allen, aged 60, from Stourbridge, works for PVSL Ltd in Kinver and is a scuba diver in his spare time.

He said: "I've done CPR on someone who was unconscious and not breathing.

"And a few weeks I had to help a little boy his inhaler wasn't working and gave him some first aid.

They last for three hours and cover emergency situations such as choking, severe bleeding, chest pains, and a step-by-step instruction on resuscitating someone.

Shorter introductory courses are offered to Express & Star readers at a discounted £15 by calling 0121 237 3879 and quoting 'Express & Star'.

"It is incredibly useful. Refreshing your skills is very important. I have also used an AED defibrillator too.

"I think it should be a skill that is taught from school. It is a life skill that everyone should have.

"You never know when you are going to use it at work, at sport events, or at home."

Stacey Hutchinson, 26, of Quarry Bank, works as a buyer for an electrical cable distributor.

She said: "The course is amazing. It is easy to follow and doesn't feel like a lot to take in.

"At work I have had to use first aid on small injuries such as cuts but nothing too serious.

"It is nice to know you have those skills to step up and help if something happens. If one of your friends or family members suffered an accident, you, would want someone there to help them. And that first person on the scene could make all the difference."

Beverley Hunter, 48, from Kingswinford, works at Dudley College as a curriculum manager.

She said: "You just never know when you might be called to help someone.

"Working at a college where a lot of students are doing a lot of practical work, they can sustain injuries from time to time.

"But it is not just at work where first aid skills come in handy, you have that ability where ever you are."

Every year, more than 400,000 people learn how to save a life through St John Ambulance training programmes, including hundreds of thousands of young people. Volunteers provide first aid in their communities, keeping people safe at events, and working alongside the NHS in response to 999 calls.

The charity is also constantly campaigning to raise awareness of first aid and directly educate the public.

The Black Country has the lowest number of people trained in first aid in the country, new research has shown.

Just 13 per cent of adults would be able to act swiftly to take potentially life-saving action in the immediate moments after an accident or an injury.

The Express & Star has teamed up with St John Ambulance to boost the numbers of trained first aiders.

We are offering our readers 50 per cent off the price of an essential first aid course ran by St John across the Black Country and Staffordshire.

Zoe Brookes, 24, from Sedgley, works at Penn Fields Special School in Wolverhampton, said: "The course is fantastic.

"This is no pressure and you get talked through everything.

"Working at a special needs school, it is absolutely vital that we can deal with accidents if and when they happen."

Rhona Worth, 31, is a trainer and volunteer for St John.

She said: "The course used to be rigid but now it is more flexible and has been made more fun.

"Those who come on the courses find them really enjoyable. They come to us fearing it will be really complicated and go away with the ability to save a life."

Mr Wright, 60, from Stafford, served in the Royal Electrical Engineers in the Army for 22 years before becoming a trainer for St John.

He said: "The training takes the mantra of being effective, safe, and prompt.

"But importantly, we make it fun.

"When the people come on the course they can be timid and not sure of themselves.

"But as the course goes on you see their confidence grow.

"Confidence is the key thing. If you can do it in the training room and you are confident, then you can do it in civvy street.

"The important thing is that they engage with it. If they engage with it then they are able to take what they have learnt and put it into practice.

"I was a first aid trainer in the Army so it was a natural progression to join St John."

September 11 – Brewood Library, Brewood, 2-4pm

September 11 – Perton Library, Wolverhampton, 10am-noon

September 11 – Burntwood Library, Burntwood,10am-noon

September 12 – Wincanton Family Fun Day, Stafford, 11-4

September 14 – Russells Hall Hospital, Dudley, 12-8pm

September 14 – Codsall Library, Wolverhampton, 2-4pm

September 18 – Stafford Library, 1-3pm

September 19 – Amerton Farm, Stafford, 9-4pm

September 20 – Lichfield Market, Lichfield, 10-4pm September 21, Queen Square, Wolverhampton, 9-5pm

September 25 – Churchill Shopping Centre, Dudley, 9am-5pm (Ian Austin MP 12.30-1pm)

September 26 – Saddler's Centre,Walsall, 8am-6pm

September 29 – Merry Hill, Mummy Morning, Brierley Hill, 10am-noon

September 29 – Walsall Manor hospital (atrium), 10am-6pm

September 30 – Wharf Street, Wolverhampton, open day, 7.30pm.

For more information on St John Ambulance's work, including how to become a volunteer and details of training for the public, schools and businesses, visit www.sja.org.uk or call 08700 10 49 50.