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Ambulance Service supports call for CPR lessons in Schools

Andrew Redgrave (far left) with fellow NWAS colleagues and Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham outside the House of Commons in 2015 at a lobbying event to push for basic life support education.

THE North West Ambulance Service (NWAS) have pledge their support for CPR training to be added to the national curriculum after The Department of Education released it's new draft guidance.

Work has been ongoing for many years by NWAS, particularly under their Cardiac Smart umbrella, to promote the importance of CPR training in improving the survival rates for out of Hospital cardiac arrests.

The Department of Education is now seeking views on the proposed changes in:- relationships education, relationships and sex education, along with health education, which will included making CPR and first aid lessons for pupils compulsory.

Andrew Redgrave, Regional Community Engagement Manager for North West Ambulance Service (NWAS) said:- "This is a real breakthrough for the work that we have been doing for many years and we fully support the calls to teach basic First Aid, CPR and defibrillator use within Schools. These simple skills really do save lives and the younger that people learn, the more effective their skills will be and more lives will be saved. When a person has a cardiac arrest, their chance of survival reduces by 10% for every minute that passes without CPR and defibrillation which is why it is vital that people in the community are made aware of what needs to be done and can start life saving treatment even before an Ambulance is able to get there."

The consultation on the revised guidance is now open and can be found on the Department of Education website using the following link where views can be shares using an online survey.

More information on NWAS' Cardiac Smart initiative along with basic life support skills can be found on:- CardiacSmart.NWAS.NHS.UK.

The Mind Map launches campaign to subsidise mental health 1st Aid Training for Schools

UK Schools could receive subsidised Mental Health First Aid training thanks to a Crowdfunder by Liverpool based mental health social enterprise The Mind Map.

The Mind Map's founder Phil Bridges said:- "With 50% of mental illnesses starting before age 14, we wish to train teachers and those working with young people in Mental Health First Aid so they can spot the signs and symptoms of mental ill health, listen non-judgementally and signpost towards support. Fully accredited by Mental Health First Aid England, The Mind Map's 2 day course offers an opportunity for attendees to become qualified Mental Health First Aiders; able to confidently help the record levels of young people who are struggling due to issues including:- academic pressure, social media, bullying and poverty. We wish to contribute to a culture where mental health has parity with physical health; where every young person has access to support if they need it."

Youth Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) courses are for everyone who works with, lives with or supports young people aged 8 to 18. In becoming a:- 'Mental Health First Aider' you can speed up a young person's recovery and stop a mental health issue from getting worse.

MHFA also aims to give you the information and skills to look after your own mental health, so that you can set an example for young people. By giving tools to have these conversations, Mental Health First Aiders can be empowered to create a mentally healthy, supportive environment in your family, School, peer group or community.

The Mind Map launched on 13 March 2018 with an in conversation on mental health in football with Everton's Leighton Baines. Their website includes:- articles, videos, mindfulness, exercise and nutrition resources, plus signposting to mental health services.

Keen to deepen understanding of their demographic, The Mind Map are also working on a research project with Liverpool John Moores University into the perceptions and experiences of non-clinical mental health support currently available for UK students.

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