Commuters taught first aid

Commuting can be stressful

Train commuters on a busy line into London are being offered training in life-saving techniques in case passengers fall ill on their way to work.

Rail user group Brighton Line Commuters, which represents travellers from the south coast to the capital, have set up first aid courses.

It follows the collapse of a passenger on a train to London before Christmas.

The group says that finding somebody aboard a train with first aid training could be vital in saving lives.

The stressful aspects of commuting... leave the rail traveller in a particularly vulnerable situation

Commuter spokesman

A spokesman for the commuter group said: "We believe this campaign to be the first of its kind on the rail network.

"It is our hope that a successful outcome will lead to it being adopted by other user groups throughout the country."

Courses in basic resuscitation will be held by Brighton Heartguard and the scheme was being launched in London and Brighton on Wednesday.

Brighton Line Commuters said it came up with the idea after a passenger recently collapsed on a train.

Saving lives

A spokesman said: "The stressful aspects of commuting, coupled with the difficulties in obtaining prompt medical help aboard a moving train, leave the rail traveller in a particularly vulnerable situation.

"A call over the public address system for a passenger with Heartguard training could save a life that would have otherwise been lost."

The scheme has been backed by train operating firms in the region, South Central trains and Thameslink.

David Franks, managing director of South Central, said: "We think it is a really good initiative.

"You never know when help is going to be needed.

"Anything that can be done to save lives must be a good thing, and we are very supportive."