First aid advice to download (From The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald)

First aid advice to download

ST John Ambulance is offering people in Swindon the chance to download audio files which can then be put on to an MP3 player, phone, or burnt on to CD.

iFIRSTAID gives information on what a person should do if they come across the scene of an accident.

The download tells people how to survey an accident scene, identify and treat burns, bleeding and fractures and how to give chest compressions and resuscitation.

Andrew New, a senior training officer, said: "Following the terrorist attacks on London, we experienced a 25 per cent increase in inquiries about first aid courses.

"We heard from many people who had wanted to help the injured but were not confident to administer first aid.

"Now that MP3 players are so popular, our iFIRSTAID downloads will make first aid guidance available to people when they need it, where they need it and in the format they need it."

But the charity is keen to stress that iFIRSTAID tips are no substitute for first aid training, they are a quick reminder to give people confidence and to reinforce knowledge.

St John Ambulance plans to develop the scheme to offer advice for other scenarios and to provide seasonal first aid advice.

The files are available online from www.sja.org.uk/ifirstaid.