Hundreds of students from two secondary schools in Birmingham and the Black Country have been taught life-saving skills thanks to front-line emergency care staff from Sandwell and West Birmingham NHS Trust.
Around 500 students aged 12 to 14 received hands-on training delivered by healthcare staff from the Midland Metropolitan University Hospital as they visited local high schools in the area.
Students from Holly Lodge High School in Smethwick and George Dixon Academy in Edgbaston were able to take part in realistic emergency scenarios whilst practicing their newly learnt life-saving skills.
Led by Dr Ahmad Mustafa, Consultant in Paediatric and Adult Emergency Medicine, the hospital team used manikins to demonstrate CPR, how to perform chest compressions, mouth-to-mouth resuscitation, respond to a choking or bleeding patient, and teaching students how to confidently call 999 in an emergency.
He said: “This campaign aims to educate young people and give them life-saving skills, teaching them what to do in emergency situations, as well as shedding a light on the work myself and my colleagues do in the hospital.
“These students in our local community are our future with some even choosing a career in medicine to become the doctors and nurses of tomorrow, and I hope by teaching them the skills to save a life, their interest in pursuing a career in healthcare and joining the NHS workforce will grow.”
Twelve-year-old Libby Hulse, a pupil at Holly Lodge High School said: “I found the session a great opportunity to learn how to help people get out of danger.”
“It was a great experience, and I learned how to do chest compressions. I enjoyed the part where teachers got involved too.”
Katharine Parker-Abreu, associate leader of George Dixon Academy, said: “We are incredibly grateful to the medical professionals from Sandwell and West Birmingham NHS Trust for giving their time to teach our students these vital, life-saving skills.
“By learning CPR and how to respond to choking and bleeding emergencies, our Year 9 pupils are not only gaining confidence but also becoming responsible, empowered young citizens who can act quickly and effectively in critical situations.
“These are skills they can carry for life and share within their families and communities.”