Elton Primary School children boost life-saving project

Mar 10 2011 Chester Chronicle

CHILDREN from a village primary school have provided a cash boost for a life-saving project.

Each year, more than 3,500 Year 6 children from Cheshire schools receive free training in first aid and accident prevention from locally based charity – the Injury Minimisation Programme for Schools (IMPS), which is supported by St John Ambulance Cheshire.

To say thank you for this training, Year 6 children from Elton Primary School held a non-uniform day and raised £200 for IMPS.

The Injury Minimisation Programme for Schools is aimed at 10 to 11-year-olds and continues to be an incredible success - four lives have been saved as a result of the students applying their first aid skills in an emergency situation.

Helen Lee, St John Ambulance IMPS Coordinator in Cheshire, said: “Through our schools programme we equip the next generation with invaluable life skills by training them in first aid, empowering them to be the difference between a life saved and a life lost.

“First aid is important in other ways – it improves self-esteem, develops confidence and fosters a sense of belonging and service.

“Our schools programme in Cheshire costs around £50,000 per year to run and our fundraising efforts never stop.

“We’re constantly looking for new supporters to help us keep this and our other charitable programmes running. I should like to take this opportunity to thank Elton Primary School for their generous donation.”

Kevin Manning, Year 6 teacher from Elton Primary, said: “I feel the first aid training we received through IMPS is such an important part of our children’s education.

“We are very grateful to be able to receive this invaluable service from St John Ambulance in Cheshire.”