Life-saver backs first aid lessons

A young boy who helped save his mother’s life after she collapsed unconscious is calling for first aid to be taught in all state primary schools.

Lyndsey Baxter, who suffers from chronic heart failure and is waiting for a new heart, says she owes her “hero” son her life following his actions two-and-ahalf years ago.

In April 2016, when her son Cayden Mcauley was just six years old, she fell unconscious while walking to the shops with him.

Having learned some basic first aid from the nurses at the hospital where his mother is a regular inpatient, Cayden managed to sit her up against a wall, used his own jacket to keep her warm and, unable to unlock his mother’s phone, sought the help of a passing taxi driver to call an ambulance.

The Glasgow boy, now aged eight, is backing St Andrew’s First Aid’s public petition, which calls for basic first aid to be taught at all primary schools.

Ms Baxter said: “To me, St Andrew’s First Aid’s petition is both really positive and really important. It would be a great thing if younger children across Scotland had the opportunity to learn vital first aid skills, which could help save a life.”

Since the incident in April 2016, Cayden has gone on to learn cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), which he undertook at a free Save a Life for Scotland partnership event at Glasgow LIVE! and has also been shortlisted in St Andrew’s Scottish First Aid Awards.