Thousands of Harrogate students given the gift of life-saving skills

The Lions have worked round-the-clock over the last two years to deliver the important project, funding more than 40 First Aid sessions with St John's Ambulance and the Harrogate First Responders.

A 2016 study by the British Heart Foundation found that 59 per cent of deaths from injury could have been prevented, and outcomes greatly improved, if a bystander had been equipped with First Aid skills to use before emergency services arrived.

Harrogate Lions member Bernadette Reid, who has taken a lead on this project in schools, said: "We hope that no one ever has to put into practice what they have learnt, but it is so important that young people are equipped with these skills so that they can use them if and when they are required.

"You never know when someone might need First Aid - it could be a friend, a family member, or somebody in the street. Every second counts when someone isn't well, and your actions could save someone's life."

In the UK, only four per cent of the population have had First Aid training - an alarming statistic which Bernadette said highlights the huge need to drum up more interest in learning these life-saving skills.

She said: "It is such a low figure, and it is worrying. That's one of the reasons why we've been so driven to do this in schools.

"The most satisfying part has been to see the interest and enthusiasm of these youngsters during the training sessions, and to know that they are all potential lifesavers.

"It has been a real pleasure for the Lions members to be able to visit all of the schools - without exception, the behaviour of staff and pupils has been exemplary. The two St John's trainers who have been doing the sessions visit hundreds of schools, but have said that our students are the most responsive, interactive and well behaved of all. This is a great credit to all of the teachers and parents."

From September 2020, First Aid training will be rolled out as part of the national curriculum - news that has been welcomed with open arms by Bernadette and her fellow Harrogate Lions member.

The Lions have also played a pivotal role in the installation of defibrillators across the town, and are always keen to support as many good causes as they can.

The schools where students have been First Aid trained are Harrogate High School, Rossett School, Harrogate Grammar School St Aidan's CE High School, and St John Fisher Catholic High School.

The Mayor of the Borough of Harrogate, Coun Stuart Martin, and immediate past Mayor, Coun Bernard Bateman, have previously visited the schools to present First Aid certificates to students.