Campaign to improve first aid skills

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Up to 150,000 people a year could be given a chance to live if more people knew first aid, the charity St John Ambulance, has said as it launches a campaign to encourage more people to learn this vital skill.

Thousands of people are dying each year in situations where first aid could have made the difference. This includes nearly 900 people who choke to death, 2,500 who asphyxiate from a blocked airway and 29,000 who die from heart attacks.

First aid could make a difference in these situations, either through direct intervention, in the case of choking, or by recognising life-threatening signs, such as a heart attack, and caring for someone until medical help arrives.

As part of the campaign the charity is urging everyone to get a free pocket-sized guide featuring first aid skills that can help in five common life-threatening situations by texting LIFE to 85010 (Texts charged at standard network rate) or by visiting: www.sja.org.uk