Northumberland pupils learn first aid skills inspired by saving of footballer Christian Eriksen

​Pupils at a Northumberland school are learning first aid skills inspired by the saving of footballer Christian Eriksen’s life during the Euro championships.
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Year 6 students St Aidan’s RC Primary School in Ashington have been learning how to react in emergency situations after the high-profile incident during the summer, in which the Danish player was given treatment by his team captain and medical staff when he collapsed on the pitch.

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​The five-week course covers topics such as bleeding, the heart, burns and treatment, broken bones, assessing and treating wounds, the recovery position, CPR and choking.

Michael Moran, acting headteacher of St Aidan’s, which is soon to be part of Bishop Bewick Catholic Education Trust, said the school updated its first aid every two years.

He said: “After the Euros, it was obvious that an accident or tragedy can happen to anyone at any time. 

“The quick thinking of his team mate may have just been the difference between him living and dying. 

“I thought that if we gave our students the chance to learn some of this, it may just make the difference in an emergency if they know what to do and how to react.”

He added: “I’m also really keen that our children are exposed to as many experiences  and opportunities while they’re here as possible. 

“Who knows, the course might just inspire a future doctor or nurse. They may also save a life, which is an invaluable skill.”

Mr Moran said Year 5 pupils will also be taking part in the course and future Year 5/6 classes will participate in the years to come.

There has been positive feedback from the pupils, who praised the lessons for being fun as well as teaching vital skills.

Lily said: “It teaches us things that could be handy when there’s a real emergency.”

Another pupil Maya said: “It’s been really fun doing it. The tutor teaches us in a fun way and we play games and things so we learn good skills in a fun way.”

Lilliani added: “I think it’s really handy and useful if there’s really an emergency. We know how to put someone in the recovery position and what to do next.”

Ruth Law, of Little Rescuers Tyneside (Tumbles and Grumbles), which runs the course, said: “Children are amazing learners and are able to do more than we often give them credit for. 

“If a child is able to call 999 effectively or - for the older ones - do CPR, they have the potential to save lives. 

“Their schools and families are safer once they have these life skills.”

She added: “There are elements of first aid, which are now in the curriculum.

“However, our course goes above and beyond, to give children important life skills and opportunities to learn and explore, which may expand their horizons for their futures. 

“Our future medics are in this generation and the more children we inspire, the safer our population will be.”