A vital new initiative to equip the Malmesbury community with life-saving skills is coming to the town in October.
Free first aid training will be hosted at the Town Hall, with one-hour interactive sessions delivered by Wiltshire and Bath Air Ambulance, covering CPR and how to properly operate a defibrillator in an emergency prior to the arrival of medics.
The free training, which is open to all, is being paid for by the Malmesbury League of Friends, complementing training the charity has also funded in local schools.
Supporting the effort, Malmesbury Town Council has donated a room at the Town Hall free of charge.
Andrew Robinson, Emergency Awareness Training Manager with Wiltshire and Bath Air Ambulance, said: “When a cardiac emergency strikes, early intervention is critical.
"Building confidence in basic life support and knowing how to use public defibrillators can drastically improve survival outcomes before medical crews arrive on scene.”
Two separate one-hour sessions will run on Monday 19 October. The afternoon session will take place from 2pm to 3pm - a good time for parents and carers prior to the afternoon school run.
The evening session will run from 5.15pm to 6.15pm, suitable for those who work during the day.
Both sessions are open to all, and no advance booking is required. Future sessions may also be organised.
Malmesbury League of Friends has funded 25 defibrillators in Malmesbury, including those located in surrounding villages.
Chas Gould, of Malmesbury League of Friends, said: “Having helped fund public defibrillators across Malmesbury and surrounding villages, we are delighted to support these training sessions to ensure local residents feel confident and empowered to use them if needed.”
Malmesbury Mayor Cllr Robert Hastings said: “Malmesbury Town Council is delighted to support this crucial initiative by providing the Town Hall free of charge.
"Equipping local people with the confidence and skills to handle a cardiac emergency benefits the whole community, and we are extremely grateful to the Malmesbury League of Friends and Wiltshire and Bath Air Ambulance for making it possible.”
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