Life-saving skills taken up

In the last 12 months, East Midlands Ambulance Service (EMAS) has provided the vital course for more than 369 people in 30 sessions so more lives can be saved in an emergency.

It teaches members of the public what to do in a life-threatening emergency – simple, easy-to-learn skills that save lives.

Among the skills taught are how to recognise a heart attack, how to do cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), dealing with choking, serious bleeding and an unconscious casualty.

EMAS Membership Manager Annie Palmer, who organised and taught the course, said: “Being able to do CPR on someone in cardiac arrest more than doubles their chance of survival.

“Seconds count and if you can do CPR you can buy the time needed for our ambulance crews to arrive and save the life of your loved one. Giving first aid within the first few minutes can mean the difference between life and death.”