A Mini First Aid initiative is currently being delivered by Newry, Mourne and Down District Council’s Downpatrick, Rowallane & Slieve Croob District Electoral Area Forums to six primary schools within rural areas. The interactive learning programme is provided by a qualified First Aid facilitator to help give young people the opportunity to develop their first aid skills. This is particularly important for those living in rural areas where emergency service response times can be slower.

Through the help of a big teddy and ‘The Adventures of Freddie’ P1-P3 pupils learn how to get help in an emergency, the importance of knowing your address, dialing 999 and how to put someone in a recovery position.  Pupils from P4-P7 have a more hands on experience and learn how to respond in an emergency first aid situation including burns, choking, breaks and CPR.

Basic first aid is an invaluable life-skill which can help save a life.  The children become more risk aware and gain the skills to keep themselves safe and help themselves or others if involved in a medical emergency.