A paramedic in the Steel City has underscored the importance of parents and carers knowing how to carry out first aid on their loved ones.
Kelly Wooller, director of Mini First Aid Sheffield, said: “As a paramedic, I have seen all too often in an emergency what the lack of first aid training can lead to, and the feeling of guilt from loved ones that they don’t know how to help.”
First aid for children is a vital life saving skill, every child should learn first aid and thankfully it is now part of the national curriculum for schools, which we are delighted about.”
Mini First Aid was set up by mum of six, Kate Ball, in 2014 to offer baby and child first aid classes to parents and carers in Leeds. The first Mini First Aid Sheffield centre was set up in 2015.
Mrs Wooller, 42, said: “If children learn first aid skills at an early age, not only can they help friends and family if they become unwell, it also helps children remain calm if they are hurt or injured.
Children learn how to recognise when someone is unwell and will be equipped to help them, it increases their self confidence and gain a better understanding of why parents are cautious.”
The national organisation trains hundreds of people each month, from classes for children as young as three years old to classes for grandparents teaching life saving skills.
Kelly Wooller is an Ex- British Army Combat Medical Technician, who is now an operational registered Paramedic, and an Advanced Clinical Practicioners.
Mrs Wooller said: “I first attended a first aid at work course when I was 19 and working in a newsagent, from there it sparked my interest in the medical profession, something I had never thought about before.