Youngsters learn lifesaving skills
PUPILS at Heaton Mersey school Stella Maris have learned vital lifesaving skills.
Children from Years 1 to 6 took part in the school’s Heartstart Training Programme, which is supported by the British Heart Foundation.
Since the programme was established in 2012, staff and pupils have been trained in a range of skills from contacting the emergency services right to dealing with a conscious and an unconscious casualty.
Pupils are presented with certificates when they complete each stage of the programme.
Children in Years 1, 2, 3 and 4 received certificates for completing Stage 1 and pupils in Years 5 and 6 received certificates for finishing the entire programme.
Headteacher Norah Johnson said: “The Heartstart programme provides children with vital skills.
“It ensures children are aware of what to do in an emergency and, by giving the children knowledge of how to act, it hopefully helps the children cope better if they are required to take action.
“We start our programme with our younger children by teaching them simple skills such as how to dial 999 and to ensure that they know their address if required.
“Once children reach the juniors we teach them skills such as dealing with somebody who is choking or a serious bleed. Children in Years 5 and 6 move onto CPR.
“We have regular refresher sessions as we understand that skills that are not being used can be easily forgotten.
“The programme has been really well received by pupils, families and staff.”