Imagine you’re at a party and a friend collapses – would you know what to do? Or what if you’re on holiday and an earthquake strikes and people need help?
The British Red Cross is campaigning for first aid and humanitarian education to be given a secure place on the national curriculum to equip young people with the skills to help in the event of such emergencies.
Karl McCartney MP was the special guest at Sincil Sports College on Friday 6 July. The local Lincoln college provides education for young people with a wide range of behavioural, social and emotional needs. Karl McCartney witnessed pupils being taught how to cope in an emergency situation. As a keen sports lover, Lincoln’s Member of Parliament was also given a tour of the college.
Pledging his support, Mr McCartney said: “I very much enjoyed my recent visit to Sincil Sports College and being able to talk to the staff, pupils and Red Cross representatives and also watching the pupils learn first aid skills. Research has shown 83 per cent of teachers believe first aid should be taught in schools which is why I am supporting the British Red Cross campaign. Learning life-saving skills can only benefit young people, both in school and in the wider world throughout their lives.”
Rob Parkin, head teacher of Sincil Sports College explained: “First aid is a life skill which should be taught to all pupils regardless of age, or their abilities, during their school career. We have embedded the teaching of first aid into our sports and PSHE [Personal Social Health & Economic education] curriculum successfully.
“Our pupils at the Sincil Sports College have responded really well to the variety of activities involved in the ‘Life. Live It.’ first aid educational resource pack provided by the Red Cross. This has been an exceptional resource tool kit which can be used by all staff and is exceptionally useful for our pupils who have a wide range of special educational needs”.
Research reveals that 83 per cent of Britain’s teachers and 98 per cent of parents want first aid to become part of the curriculum. Sir Nicholas Young, British Red Cross chief executive, said: “We’re encouraging anyone passionate about education to take part in our e-campaign and ask their local MP to pledge their support.
“Together we can raise awareness and gather support to ensure first and humanitarian principles are securely placed in a new national curriculum which is fir for the 21st century.”
To find out more about the e-campaign and ask your local MP to sign up, go to http://www.redcross.org.uk/About-us/Our-advocacy-work/Pupil-citizen-lifesaver
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For further information, please contact Karl McCartney MP at karl.mccartney.mp@parliament.uk