More first aid kits for children

Children are taught lifesaving skills with a manikin

All children in their final year of primary school in Jersey will be given a free first aid kit, St John Ambulance has said.

It is the second year the charity has been given sponsorship to fund the Mini Anne manikin lifesaving skills kits.

Deputy commander Nigel Truscott said 1,000 sets would be given out in 2010.

He said with the pupil's families also able to practice on the kits, more than 3,000 people's lifesaving skills should be improved.

Mr Truscott said: "Last time we distributed these kits it was not only well received by every year six child and their teachers but by their families who also then have the opportunity to practise resuscitation."

He said there was global interest in the St John Ambulance in Jersey scheme of giving first aid training and kits to all 11-year-olds.

He said: "I was invited to a conference in Cologne, Germany to tell delegates from as far afield as Canada about our methodology and to share with them best practice."