Woodsetts: Big hearts at Primary School

Pupils at Woodsetts Primary School will be showcasing their emergency life support skills at the annual British Heart Foundation 999 Heartstart day.
Pupils at Woodsetts Primary School held a 999 Day on Monday and demonstrated to emergency services the skills they have learnt as part of the British Heart Foundation initiative. The Mayor and Mayoress of Rotherham Councillor John and Kath Foden presented certificates to the volunteersPupils at Woodsetts Primary School held a 999 Day on Monday and demonstrated to emergency services the skills they have learnt as part of the British Heart Foundation initiative. The Mayor and Mayoress of Rotherham Councillor John and Kath Foden presented certificates to the volunteers
Pupils at Woodsetts Primary School held a 999 Day on Monday and demonstrated to emergency services the skills they have learnt as part of the British Heart Foundation initiative. The Mayor and Mayoress of Rotherham Councillor John and Kath Foden presented certificates to the volunteers

The event, on Friday 18th July, between 1pm and 3pm, will present the children a chance to demonstrate their emergency skills to the police, ambulance and fire services.

Representatives from the emergency services will also be on hand to give advice and answer any questions.

It will be the sixth year that the school has run the British Heart Foundation Heartstart UK school programme.

The school now consistently delivers the course to children aged between five and 11, with years five and six completing the full course.

The programme is projected throughout the school academic year with the youngsters learning how to recognise danger and make an emergency call.

Michelle Thomas, Heartstart co-ordinator at the school, said: “Each year the childen make us all so proud.”

“I have been told by parents that unfortunately a couple of children have had to use these skills during the summer holidays and thanks to the knowledge they gained, they stayed calm and acted appropriately.”

“We only wish that this could be recognised and made a compulsory part of the school curriculum.”

Throughout the year staff presented sessions on conscious and unconscious casualties, serious bleeding, choking in adults and children, suspected heart attacks and cardiac arrests.

It all started five years ago, when Michelle, a parent herself, Kate Birch and nurses at the school completed instructor courses provided by one of the BHF community resuscitation development officers.

From there the parents and nurses took the initiative to deliver intriguing and interactive lessons on skills which pupils would be able to use for the rest of their lives.

Michelle added: “The feedback from the children, parents and teachers has been fantastic.”

“We are frequently approached by children asking when the Heartstart day is.”

“The enthusiasm and commitment to learn such essential skills is outstanding.”

“The year six students then leave for the comprehensive school with this achievement of vital life saving skills.”

“Throughout the year we have delivered the programme with the asssistance of teachers.“

“This is important for skill retention. What the children retain is amazing, even the younger ones.”

“The training resources provided by the British Heart Foundation support this retention.”

As proof of the success of the school programme, an after school Heartstart Club has been organaised in addition with the scheme already in place.

Kate said: “To celebrate their achievents we arrange the 999 afternoon so that the children can demonstrate to the emergency services what they have learnt,”

“Being supported by the local fire, police and ambulance services is always a great opportunity for the children to ask questions and see the emergency vehicles for real.”

For more information on the Heartstart programme visit www.bhf.org.uk.