A HEADTEACHER is urging more schools to sign up for a free first aid lesson.

Some of Kieran McLaughlin’s pupils at Durham School will be tuning in for St John Ambulance’s second Big First Aid Lesson, a free online first aid workshop planned for 2pm on Friday, June 12.

The one-hour session, aimed at teaching basic first aid skills to seven to 16-year-olds, is hosted by television presenter Claudia Winkleman and more than 1,000 schools have already registered.

Mr McLaughlin said: “This is a marvellous initiative and one which could prove to be the difference between life and death for someone in the future. We are proud to be involved in such a good cause.”

More than half of North-East young people have had no first aid training and David Nicklen, St John Ambulance training and community manager, said: “Our Big First Aid Lesson addresses the public’s desire for first aid education in the classroom while it doesn’t feature in the national curriculum. We hope they can help us motivate their child’s school to take part – it could be the most important lesson they ever learn.”

To take part, schools need an internet connection and a screen such as an interactive whiteboard. For more information, visit sja.org.uk/bigfirstaidlesson