Learn how to Save a life this September
St John Ambulance, the nation's leading
first aid charity, is launching Save a Life
September as part of a campaign to equip as many people as
possible with vital first aid skills.
Training saves lives
Throughout September, the charity will be giving free
demonstrations at locations across the British Isles, including the
Isle of Man.
The public will learn how to save a life using five
easy-to-follow techniques and will receive a free pocket-sized
first aid guide to carry in case of emergency.
In the Island, events will take place on Saturday 24
September between 10am and 4pm at:
- The Strand Shopping Centre, Douglas
- Shoprite, Brisdon Street, Port Erin
- The Mill Shop, Tynwald Mills, St John's
- Ramsey Town Hall, Parliament Square, Ramsey
Sessions will also be held for students at Castle Rushen High
School, King William's College and the Isle of Man College.
Statistics show need for first aid awareness
Research carried out by St John Ambulance last year showed that
up to 150,000 people die every year in situations where first aid
could have given them the chance to live. This includes nearly 900
people who choke to death, 2,500 who asphyxiate from a blocked
airway and 29,000 who die from heart attacks.
In addition, the charity found that around 58% of people
wouldn't know what to do if faced with a medical emergency
and a quarter would do nothing.
Phil Bennett, Commercial Development Officer
for St John Ambulance Isle of Man, said: 'Learning first aid is one
of the single most important things you can do in your life. You
never know when you may need it - at work, at home, in school,
playing sport. With basic first aid skills, anyone can be the
difference between a life lost and a life saved and what could be
more important than saving someone's life?
'By launching Save a Life September and holding first aid
demonstrations across the Island, we want to reach as many people
as possible, so that more people are equipped with the skills to
save a life. Anyone who needs first aid should get it and armed
with this knowledge we can all be the difference between a
life lost and a life saved.'
For further information about St John Ambulance Isle of Man
please ring 01624 674387.