Lesson in life saving
A record-breaking 853 pupils and locals learned life-saving CPR skills during a recent event at Strathearn Community Campus.
It was organised by Save a Life for Scotland, a collaboration of emergency services, third sector organisations, community groups, local authorities, academics, industry partners and the Scottish Government.
Perth and Kinross Council first aid trainer and first responder Alan Moffat was involved in the successful day and hailed the efforts of all involved.
Crieff residents said a collective “I’ll do it” when they took part in a community CPR event at Strathearn Community Campus.
A record-breaking 853 pupils and locals learned the life-saving skill at sessions which ran throughout the day.
Save a Life for Scotland is a collaboration of emergency services, third sector organisations, community groups, local authorities, academics, industry partners and the Scottish Government.
Its aim is to foster a more positive attitude of emergency first aid to ensure everyone has the confidence to give it a go.
Perth and Kinross Council first aid trainer and first responder Alan Moffat was involved in last Thursday’s event.
It followed on from a similar session in Auchterarder last year, which saw 500 pupils learn the skill.
Comrie resident Alan said: “Every year around 3500 people in Scotland of all ages suffer a cardiac arrest at home or within the community.
“Sadly only one in 20 will survive to return home. Save a Life for Scotland is a campaign which aims to increase the chance of survival by encouraging more people to learn about CPR.
“One of its key focus areas this year is to help all Scottish schools equip their pupils with lifesaving CPR skills.
“Children can spread the message that CPR saves lives to their friends and family.
“All of our partners are committed to schools CPR education and the training support and resources they offer will enable schools to deliver lifesaving skills to their pupils.”
Alan thanked everyone who supported the event.
Annabelle Ewing MSP, who lives in Comrie, took part in one of the life-saving skills sessions.
The minister for community safety and legal affairs said: “I am delighted to have met the pupils of Crieff High School and those who are working hard to teach CPR to thousands of school pupils across Perth and Kinross.
“When someone suffers a cardiac arrest we know that every minute counts and it is essential that every single one of us knows how to recognise the signs and how to react.
“As part of Scotland’s out- ofhospital cardiac arrest strategy we want to train an additional 500,000 people in life-saving CPR by 2020, potentially saving 1000 lives.
“People of all ages can learn and do CPR and this is a fantastic initiative to make sure young people get the skills they need to save a life.”