Every Chippenham school to have defibrillator by 2020 but Tory MPs block compulsory first aid bill

The Chippenham MP was speaking in support of introducing compulsory first aid training in schools via a Private Members Bill.

But attempts in the House of Commons on Friday morning to introduce compulsory first aid into schools were blocked by MPs from Miss Donelan’s own party.

Conservative MPs talked out the bill by speaking throughout the debate until time had run out, preventing a vote from being held.

Miss Donelan said: “I welcome the current assistance from the Department for Education to help schools to buy defibrillators.

“As of last week, 787 schools had purchased one under the scheme, and it is my aim to ensure that every school in my constituency has one by the next election.”

Miss Donelan argued that the compulsory training would give youngsters to the confidence to act in emergency situations, whether that was using a defibrillator or administering CPR.

“I was delighted that, in this year’s Budget, £1 million was dedicated to buying defibrillators for use in public spaces and schools and for training, but what is the point of doing that if people do not have the confidence to use them?” she added.

“Recent surveys show that the primary reason that people are deterred from intervening in any first aid situation is a lack of confidence and knowledge.

“The survival rate in the UK is poor and highly variable, but today we have an opportunity to make a real difference. First aid is a true life skill, and the Bill aims to make every child a life-saver.

“Ensuring that life-saving skills are taught in schools would instil in children how valuable life is and how important it is to be a good citizen.”

The Private Members Bill introduced by Labour’s Teresa Pearce, MP for Erith and Thamesmead, would have seen first aid training introduced as part of the National Curriculum.

It is a scheme which is supported by St John’s Ambulance, the British Red Cross and the British Heart Foundation.