FIRST AID IN SCHOOLS

That this House commends the recently revised Approved Code of Practice which followed the Health and Safety (First Aid) Regulations 1981 (Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974) and which now requires that every employer of more than 50 people should ensure the on site availability of a qualified first aider and believes the same requirement should apply to children in schools; moreover recognises the value of teaching first or emergency aid in schools; applauds the initiative of the St John Ambulance in issuing its publication Emergency Aid in Schools which, accompanied by video, shows how children can be taught a basic course between the ages of 10 and 15 years so that they are competent in assessing emergency situations, restarting breathing and circulation, dealing with bleeding, shock and unconsciousness especially resulting from drug or solvent abuse and burns and scalds and so qualifying for the St John Ambulance Three Cross Emergency Aid Award; and congratulates the six children who this year received the St John Ambulance's Robert Balchin Award for putting these skills to the best possible use by saving or attempting to save life.