Kirkby College has signed up to watch the St John Ambulance Big First Aid Lesson Live. Students will be learning valuable first aid skills during a live internet broadcast on 17 June.

Hosted by TV medic, Dr Ranj, the free, interactive hour-long programme will be filmed in front of a live audience of students and streamed directly to schools and colleges via the internet.

Simon Taylor, principal at the school said: “At Kirkby College we feel that the St John Ambulance’s Big First Aid Lesson Live is too big an opportunity to miss to educate our students on the importance of basic lifesaving skills.

“Following the tragic loss of a young life, our school has benefited from the donation of a defibrillator machine by the bereaved parents and we are very conscious that prompt action may save a similar tragedy.

“We are therefore really pleased to promote this fantastic initiative for our students in the hope that they will be better prepared if they are ever faced with a medical emergency in the future.”

The first aid charity is urging more teachers to sign up and help meet its aim of teaching a quarter of a million students vital life saving skills. This year’s lesson will be even bigger and better with two different lessons – one for primary schools and one for secondary schools.

The Big First Aid Lesson Live will cover a whole range of topics, including choking, chest pains, seizures and insect bites. There will also be live demos, incredible real life stories, chances for student to ask questions, and other interactive elements.

Dr Ranj is following in the footsteps of Claudia Winkleman, who presented the lesson to over 189,000 pupils in 2015. He said: “As a doctor, I know only too well how important first aid can be in an emergency. Being able to immediately help someone – a family member, school mate, a neighbour, or even a stranger – can be life saving. But you don’t have to be a medic like me to learn or use it.

“Anyone can learn first aid at any age and that’s why I’m supporting St John Ambulance’s Big First Aid Lesson Live. I’m excited to be hosting this year, as I know the lesson will help enrich the next generation with the confidence and knowledge to save a life.

“We know schools are time-pressed but the Big First Aid Lesson Live is free, easy to join and memorable, so we hope teachers everywhere sign their classes up and get involved.”

The only equipment schools need to take part is an internet connection and a screen (such as an interactive whiteboard) for their pupils to watch in the classroom or during assembly.

Sue Killen, CEO, St John Ambulance said: “The Big First Aid Lesson Live is an accessible, easy to learn, and fun resource – students will finish the lesson feeling confident they could one day be a life saver.

“I encourage each and every school to take part so their pupils don’t miss out on this exciting and educational event.”

To sign up to the Big First Aid Lesson Live, or for more information visit www.sja.org.uk/bigfirstaidlesson #Bigfirstaidlesson