AN OXFORD University student will share the limelight with Strictly Come Dancing star Claudia Winkleman today as part of the biggest UK first aid lesson.
Emma-Jane Hampsheir-Gill, an English language and literature student at Mansfield College, will teach first aid with the presenter through a live internet feed to more than 214,000 school pupils.
A total of 13 schools from Oxfordshire will take part in the event, including Edward Feild Primary School in Kidlington, Lewknor Primary School, Launton Primary School and Stanton Harcourt CofE Primary School.
The 19-year-old was chosen by St John Ambulance because of the passion she showed on its cadet programme.
The first year student, who wants to be an English secondary school teacher, said her journey into first aid began at 11 years old when a friend had an asthma attack.
She added: “I was in the Guides when a friend fell out of a boat and had an asthma attack, and I didn’t know what to do.
“She was fine but it was really scary. We heard there was a cadet unit of St John Ambulance so we tried it and I have been going back ever since. I am so excited and honoured to have been asked to take part.
“I’m passionate about the need for all young people to learn the basic skills needed to save a life because it could be the most important lesson they ever learn.”
In March, Miss Hampsheir-Gill, from Upminster in London, was at the House of Commons talking to MPs from all the main political parties about the importance of teaching first aid in schools.
During the Big First Aid Lesson, she will be joined by three other first aiders and Ms Winkleman to go through lessons including how to deal with strains and sprains, asthma, allergies and head injuries.
The aim is to teach youngsters how to recognised signs, symptoms and how to treat a casualty correctly for each injury.
Ms Winkleman said she was determined to do the first aid event because teaching the essential skills should be a top priority in education.
The mother-of-three said: “The Big First Aid Lesson is a fantastic and engaging way of teaching students.”
The event will be streamed from the London Irish Centre in Camden from 2pm to 3pm and schools can still register at sja.org.uk.
First aid classes for adults are available at oxfordshire.gov.uk/cms/con tent/first-aid-courses
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