The Chester Lions have made a donation of vital training equipment to St John Ambulance.

The donation included an automated external defibrillator (AED) training model, casualty make up kits, pulse oximeters and an intubation trainer which is used to train advanced first aiders in intubation techniques, passing a tube down the windpipe to maintain an airway.

Chris Malcolm, a volunteer advanced first aider with St John Ambulance in Chester demonstrated the intubation trainer to Lions president Brian Goodall and past president Graham O’Reilly at the presentation evening at the Countess of Chester Health Park.

Chris said: “This training model, and the AED trainer means that, on a regular basis, we can update our skills ensuring we can continue our life saving work.”

Brian Goodall said: “St John Ambulance often supports our events with vital first aid cover and we’re delighted to be able to support the charity in this way.

“Training is vital to the volunteers and we recognise that training with the equipment we have donated may very well lead to lives being saved. I recently undertook an Essential First Aid course and, whilst I hope I never need to use the skills, having the confidence and knowledge to make a difference in an emergency is empowering.

“I would urge everyone, especially parents, to get some first aid training.”

SJA unit manager Nick Lowe with Chester Lions president Brian Goodall

The presentation evening was attended by St John Ambulance volunteers and, from the Lions, Brian Goodall, Graham O’Reilly, Grace Brown, Anne Warner and Les Gillott.

Events lead for St John Ambulance in Chester Janet Money said: “We’re extremely grateful to the Lions for this very kind donation. It goes without saying just how vital it is and every piece of equipment we have received will ensure realistic training for our volunteers, essential in making sure we can offer first aid care of the very highest standard in our community.

“In addition to superb training equipment, it is essential that we continue to get volunteers joining us and we currently have a number of opportunities for volunteer first aiders here in Chester. We’re also looking to recruit a youth leader to help develop the next generation of life savers.”

For more information about volunteering opportunities with St John Ambulance, visit www.sja.org.uk/sja/volunteer