St John Ambulance offering life-saving skills training

The campaign aims to equip at least 500,000 people with vital first aid knowledge through public demonstrations, online videos and advice.

A key focus is on handling choking incidents, where the airway is partly or completely blocked.

St John Ambulance is offering life-saving skills training as part of Save a Life September. (Image: St John Ambulance)

If someone is choking, the first step is to ask if they can speak and encourage them to cough.

If they can't, give up to five sharp back blows between the shoulder blades.

If this doesn't work, administer up to five abdominal thrusts.

Alternate between back blows and abdominal thrusts, calling 999 if the blockage doesn't clear.

The campaign is also focusing on cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and using a defibrillator.

In the event of cardiac arrest, call 999 and start chest compressions.

Place your hands in the centre of the chest, pushing down hard and fast.

If trained, give two rescue breaths after every 30 compressions.

The campaign is also highlighting what to do in the case of bleeding and life-threatening haemorrhage .

For severe bleeding, the priority is to stop the bleeding.

Cover and raise the wound with a clean cloth or sterile dressing, applying direct pressure.

For more information on the skills mentioned, and to find online and face-to-face training opportunities, visit the St John Ambulance website.

St John Ambulance urges everyone to learn these skills, as they could help save a life.