Learn first aid with Jack Wilshere

Arsenal and England footballer Jack Wilshere has committed to being the difference between a life lost and a life saved by becoming an ambassador for St John Ambulance.

Jack will make his 'debut' in an educational social media campaign in which he swaps five key soccer skills for five life saving techniques.

Training to save lives

The series of short online films, hosted on St John Ambulance's Facebook page, sees Jack learn five basic first aid skills from St John Ambulance first aid trainer, Clive James.

He shows fans how to cope with choking, bleeding, a heart attack, someone who is unconscious but breathing, and someone who is not breathing. Viewers are urged to text LIFE to 85010* for a free pocket first aid guide. See Jack in action at www.facebook.com/SJA

Jack Wilshere says: ‘In football, without training you cannot win the game. Without first aid, you cannot save a life. I want to encourage more people to learn first aid so that they can be the difference between life and death.

‘We’re lucky on the pitch that we have first aiders on the sidelines to help if there is an emergency. When you’re out with your mates or at home with your family, you haven’t got that back up so it’s important that we all have the skills to help others.

‘I’m delighted to be an ambassador for St John Ambulance and support this campaign and I hope everyone texts for a free guide.’

150,000 lives at risk

This is just the start of Jack’s relationship with St John Ambulance. He will play a key role in helping to spread the message amongst team mates, peers and fans.

Sue Killen, CEO, St John Ambulance comments: ‘We are delighted to have Jack Wilshere on board to help spread the message that anyone who needs first aid should receive it. Up to 150,000 people die each year when basic first aid could have been the difference. Research shows that we can’t rely on other people to have these skills - everyone should take the responsibility to learn first aid themselves. Armed with this knowledge we can all be the difference between a life lost and a life saved.’

Take action

St John Ambulance is committed to ensuring everyone has the basic first aid knowledge that could save someone's life. To get your free pocket-sized guide, just text LIFE to 85010* or visit the St John Ambulance Facebook page. You can also get advice on your iPhone with the St John Ambulance first aid app, available through iTunes.