Train pupils to save lives says charity

THE goodwill of Lothians youngsters should be capitalised on with a series of training courses on how to save a life.

The British Heart Foundation in Edinburgh said the vast majority of children would want to help someone who had collapsed on the street, but most did not have the skills to do so. As a result, the charity has urged education authorities to consider introducing expanded training, and at a younger age, in schools across the area.

Ben McKendrick, senior policy and public affairs manager at BHF Scotland, said: "Every local authority in Scotland needs to recognise that incorporating emergency life- support training as part of the Curriculum for Excellence will save lives.

"Carrying out this vital training in the classroom would empower thousands of children right across Scotland to make a difference in their communities by helping others when they need it most."