Free first aid courses

A programme of free first aid courses is being run by Newark Community First Aid.

The group has been set up to provide first aid cover and courses in the area following a row over a national reorganisation of St John Ambulance.

Many leading members of the Newark division left and are now involved with the new group.

Mr Philip Jessop, training manager, said the group wanted to increase the number of people in the area with first aid skills and to help save more lives.

He said the UK had fewer people with first aid skills than other parts of Europe.

He said: “Many unncessary deaths could be avoided by the use of simple techniques, knowing how to open an airway, understanding how to control bleeding and feeling confident to place a casualty in the recovery position.

“Our Basic Life Support course will cover all of these key areas. The courses will be practical to allow people to perform these important skills and gain confidence in their own abilities.”

Mr Jessop said that in cases of sudden cardiac arrest the quick use of a defibrillator can increase the chances of survival considerably.

Many of the machines are now in public places and the courses will give people confidence to use them in combination with resuscitation.

The first courses will be in Newark Town Hall on October 2, November 6 and December 6, and in the Old Courthouse, Southwell, on October 30.

They will be held in the evening and last 2½ hours. Further courses will be held in the future.

Mr Jessop said they were keen to provide advice to community groups, charities or local organisations.

Places can be booked through Mr Jessop at newarkcommunityfirstaiders@hotmail.com or telephone 07790 300435.