Parents told learn first aid to treat kids (From Echo)

Parents told learn first aid to treat kids

3:00pm Wednesday 8th July 2009

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MORE parents need to learn first aid skills instead of always relying on medics in dangerous situations, a leading member of St John Ambulance says.

Richard Bloomfield, has urged mums and dads across south Essex to enrol on a first aid course.

His plea comes after the Echo last week reported how a mum had criticised the lack of first aid facilities at Old Leigh beach after her six year old daughter Abbie slipped and fell while paddling there during a family day out.

Joanne Robinson, 42, of Ravenscourt Drive, Vange, was outraged after she ran for help to the first aid hut located beside the beach after Abbie slipped on a concrete slab, only to find it was closed. The youngster was eventually taken to hospital and treated for minor injuries.

The hut is manned by volunteers from the St John Ambulance service, but only at weekends during the summer holidays and on selected special events. The funding for this comes from Leigh Town Council.

Mr Bloomfield, spokesman for the south Essex branch of the St John Ambulance, said: “We wish to point out St John Ambulance provides first aid cover with their volunteer members who support their communities commensurate with their working and family lives. St John does not have the capacity to provide seven days a week first aid cover at any one location. Therefore, together with Leigh Town Council, times for first aid cover are prioritised for the busiest times.

“We would suggest parents who have responsibility for their children’s well-being, should learn basic first aid themselves, as generally they are the ones on the spot at the time and the need could be urgent, such as breathing difficulties, choking and serious bleeding.”

Mr Bloomfield added: “Basic first aid training could save a life in the most extreme cases. It doesn’t take a lot to learn. We even have emergency life saving courses that take three hours.

“First aid skills are something every parent should know.”

To find out visit www.sja.org.uk/essex or call 01245 265678.

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