Worthing West MP backs compulsory first aid lessons in schools

Compulsory first aid lessons in schools have been backed by Worthing West MP Sir Peter Bottomley.
Sir Peter Bottomley supporting the Emergency First Aid Education Bill (photo submitted). SUS-151120-125744001Sir Peter Bottomley supporting the Emergency First Aid Education Bill (photo submitted). SUS-151120-125744001
Sir Peter Bottomley supporting the Emergency First Aid Education Bill (photo submitted). SUS-151120-125744001

However a debate on the issue in the House of Commons ended without a vote on Friday as Tory MPs were accused of blocking the legislation by talking until time ran out on discussion of the bill.

The Emergency First Aid Education Bill was put forward by Labour MP Teresa Pearce, as while first aid may be taught as part of the PHSE curriculum it is an option rather than a requirement.

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Sir Peter said: “Every young person would like to know what to do in a medical emergency; to help a friend or a family member in danger.

“Teaching first aid in schools would give every child the confidence to save a life- and that life could be yours.”

Prior to Friday’s debate he attended a parliamentary event hosted by St John’s Ambulance, British Red Cross and The British Heart Foundation to learn more about the value the proposed bill could add to our education system.

MPs who spoke at length on Friday argued that the curriculum could end up being overloaded, and there were voluntary organisations better suited to provide first aid training to pupils.

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