Schools across Wiltshire are being encouraged to help create a new generation of life savers through an innovative new student first aid programme from St John Ambulance.

The charity has launched its latest training scheme in a bid to teach even more young people how to be the difference between life and death.

St John Ambulance’s research shows that 70 per cent of students wouldn’t know what to do if someone they knew was injured but most of them say they would like to learn first aid.

Jim Jones, SJA’s Regional Schools and Community Training Co-ordinator, said: "It’s incredible that first aid is not on the National Curriculum in England and most young people grow up without even the most basic knowledge of how to save a life.

"Our dedicated team of schools trainers can deliver dynamic, practical, fun and interactive first aid training to provide young people with the knowledge and confidence to be the difference between a life lost and a life saved."

St John Ambulance teaches valuable life skills to young people by training them in first aid, in schools and through its youth schemes.

In 2012/13 it delivered training of valuable life saving skills to almost 1,000 young people in Wiltshire. The organisation also provides training for school staff.

The new training programme is suitable for young people aged seven and over, so it’s aimed at both primary and secondary school students.

It offers school staff the flexibility to choose the training options that are right for their students and fit it around the demands of a busy school day.

The courses cover first aid basics including choking, bleeding and CPR (cardio pulmonary resuscitation), and customised options can also include asthma, allergic reactions, seizures, low blood sugar, head injuries and severe bleeding.

For more information, or to book first aid training at your school, visit www.sja.org.uk/studentfirstaid or telephone St John Ambulance’s regional Schools and Community Training team on 01452 858225.