Lifesaving roadshow proves popular (From Wiltshire Times)

Lifesaving roadshow proves popular

12:38pm Sunday 24th February 2008 in Trowbridge By Wiltshire Times Reporter

PARENTS and carers from across the region were in Trowbridge last week to learn how to save the life of a baby or toddler at a BabySafe Roadshow.

More than 80 people went along to the BabySafe Roadshow, on Wednesday night at the Trowbridge Sports Centre in Frome Road, where they learnt essential lifesaving skills.

The event was organised by Tesco Baby & Toddler Club in association with The Royal Life Saving Society UK (RLSS UK), after an online survey on the Tesco Baby website revealed that 86 per cent of parents would like to see lifesaving classes provided to teach them how to save the life of a baby or toddler.

The free two-hour workshop took place from 7pm to 9pm.

Participant Nicola Aissaouri, 29, an accountant from North Bradley, Trowbridge, went along with her sister and a friend.

Nicola has a five month old son, Zak. She said: "I thought it was brilliant. The practical demonstrations were the best things. First you watched the professionals on the stage but when you got to try the technique for yourself with a manikin, that was great.

"It brought it home to me that in an emergency you wouldn't have a second chance or time to read up, you'd have to know it. I think all parents should have the chance to take part in a class like this."

BabySafe Co-ordinator Ruth Martin said she was delighted with the response.

She said: "We were delighted with the amount of people who came along. Everyone was incredibly enthusiastic and eager to try the techniques for themselves on the manikins. Most people said they felt much more confident by the end."