First aid campaign launches with BBC

St John Ambulance has joined forces with BBC One’s Helicopter Heroes and local radio stations to encourage more people to learn first aid throughout October.

The TV series looks at the life saving work of the Yorkshire air ambulance and, off the back of the series, members of the public are being asked ‘Could you save a life?’

People are being encouraged to listen to their BBC local radio station to hear interviews with people whose lives have been saved thanks to first aid, as well as listening to demonstrations from first aid trainers in vital life saving techniques. Some stations are also interviewing Rav Wilding, who presents the series.

Clive James, Training Development Manager at St John Ambulance, says: ‘We’re delighted to be working on this campaign with the BBC around the country. Immediate first aid can make a real difference. An ambulance takes on average eight minutes to arrive but you can die from a blocked airway within four minutes. Isn’t it time we all learned?’

Ian Cundall, Helicopter Heroes editor, says: ‘The Yorkshire Air Ambulance crews are amazing but they often need other people to care for the injured until they get there. We’ve filmed many patients who would not have survived without the help of ordinary members of the public who have a bit of first aid training.’

The nation’s leading first aid charity is offering a limited number of free first aid courses via BBC stations. Listen to your local BBC radio station for more information.