Dr Karen Kyd, the Lieutenant Govenor's wife, has written to headteachers urging them to take up the offer of first aid training for their pupils.

St John Ambulance says there has been a low take up of its free programme for schools since the pandemic.

The organisation has more than 25 years experience running courses  - providing lesson plans, teaching resources and equipment free of charge to schools.

It teaches young people how to respond in different scenarios where they might need to give first aid,.

Dr Kyd, who is patron of St John Ambulance Jersey, has joined the Dame Commander Joanna Dawson in urging schools to incorporate the vital training into their plans for the next academic year.

Simon Blackmore, St John's Youth Development Officer, says they are invaluable life skills:

"These skills are essential for everyone, but we would love every child on the island to have the opportunity to learn them. It could be the difference between a life saved or a life lost for a friend, family member, or a stranger in the street."

Today we wrote to the headteachers of all island schools to encourage them to sign up for our FREE first aid training.
Since covid only a handful of schools have signed up.

Helvetia School is one of those who joined the programme and the girls have learnt amazing life skills pic.twitter.com/Fbu67TK0hj

— St John Ambulance Jersey (@StJohnAmbJersey) June 20, 2023

Where possible, the training is delivered by teachers and school staff, supported by St John Ambulance trainers.

Schools can compete for a £500 prize.