All posts by Ryan Davis Philip

 

Asthma Boy

If you have asthma, think about laying off the hamburgers

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A new Chinese study has found that eating three or more hamburgers a week may increase your risk of severe asthma. Learn more in a local first aid course.
By

Yasmin Noone
1 AUG 2018 – 1:05 PM  UPDATED YESTERDAY 1:05 PM

People with asthma may want to think twice before sinking their teeth into their next fast food hamburger, following the release of a new Chinese study that links eating more burgers to a higher risk of severe asthma.

The review, published in Respirology this month, sums up the analysis of 16 studies to reveal an association between fast food consumption and an increased likelihood of having asthma, wheeze, and several other allergic diseases like pollen fever, eczema, and rhino-conjunctivitis.

Consuming fast foods three or more times a week was found to be linked to an increased risk of severe asthma.

The study’s authors from Sichuan University then drilled down into the results to look at different types of fast foods only to recognise that eating burgers was also associated with asthma.

The authors propose that the fast food-asthma link may be due to the fact that high-fat meals can exacerbate inflammation in a person’s airway.

They concluded that increasing your weekly hamburger consumption from two to three or more may also increase your risk of severe asthma.

“The consumption of fast foods, especially hamburgers, three or more times a week, was more likely to be associated with severe asthma and current wheeze compared with the consumption of one to two times a week,” the study reads.

“In conclusion, the consumption of fast foods, particularly hamburgers, correlates to asthma in a dose–response pattern, which needs to be further validated in longitudinal and interventional studies.”

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The authors propose that the fast food-asthma link may be due to the fact that high-fat meals can exacerbate inflammation in a person’s airway.

“In addition, the consumption of fast foods reduces the consumption of foods that are rich in protective nutrients, such as fruits and vegetables,” the authors say.

“Fruit and vegetables contain many phytochemicals that have anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory properties. Hence a reduction in fruit and vegetable intake is likely to have an unfavourable impact on asthma prevalence/ management.”

The authors also indicate that BMI may play a role in the asthma—fast food equation, as a lower BMI could mediate the risk of asthma.

“…the consumption of fast foods reduces the consumption of foods that are rich in protective nutrients, such as fruits and vegetables.”

Spokesperson for the Dietitians Association of Australia, Joel Feren, says although the study presents quite a quirky food finding, the results are interesting.

“There’s no cause and effect relationship but a loose association between fast food consumption and asthma and other allergic diseases,” says Feren, an Accredited Practising Dietitian.

“However, the results make sense because of what we know about fast foods [packed] with refined carbs and saturated fats – they can lead to inflammation in the body.

“We can extrapolate the results and say that we know asthma is an inflammatory disease. So there may be a link between types of [fast foods] that lead to inflammation and conditions like asthma and allergic diseases.

“By promoting anti-inflammatory responses in the body, we can reduce our risk of some of these inflammatory processes, and therefore – by extension – some conditions like asthma.”

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As for hamburgers specifically causing asthma or an allergy, Feren says “more research is needed to add strength and validity to these findings”.

“But we should be looking at the bigger picture and at our whole diet,” he adds. “To reduce our risk of inflammation in our bodies, we should try to eliminate all high sugar, high fat and fast foods from our diet and replace them with fibre-rich whole grains and essential wholefoods.”

Of the 16 studies examined in the review, 13 were cross-sectional and observational. The studies also had an international reach, being conducted across Australia, Colombia, Canada, Japan, China (Mainland and Taiwan), New Zealand, India, Spain, Saudi Arabia, Sweden and Turkey.

Fast food, according to this study, was regarded as “mass-produced foods prepared and served very quickly, with poor nutritional quality”.

That includes any foods cooked with less preparation time, “especially foods sold in a restaurant or store with preheated ingredients, and served to the customer in a packaged form for takeout”. “Furthermore, fast foods typically fall into the category of foods high in calories, total fat, saturated and trans fat, sugar, simple carbohydrates and sodium (salt).”

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CPR

Girlfriend gives CPR to save boyfriend’s life

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Georgia Groom performed CPR on Jack Norman, also 20, when he stopped breathing at their home – collapsing on the floor in the early hours of Thursday, minutes after waking up breathless and asking Georgia to call an ambulance.

Georgia said: “As you can imagine, I thought I had lost my boyfriend.”

Georgia called 999 and gave CPR to Jack – who has asthma, and whose heart was not beating.

Paramedics got to the house after 10 minutes and rushed Jack to hospital, where a doctor said that if Georgia had left Jack for 30 seconds longer he may have died.

Jack told the Comet: “If she didn’t act as quickly as she did, I probably wouldn’t be here. She saved my life at the end of the day.

“It was a very eye-opening experience I wouldn’t wish on anyone, and I don’t take life for granted.”

Jack Norman with his sister Isabelle, mum Victoria and stepdad Matt. Picture: Jack NormanJack Norman with his sister Isabelle, mum Victoria and stepdad Matt. Picture: Jack Norman

Now Georgia wants to raise awareness of how important it is to able to perform CPR.

“We are not taught CPR at school,” she said. “Why?

“I learned this through other ways – however, if I hadn’t, I don’t bear to think about what could have happened.

“CPR is most likely the easiest thing for someone to learn. Although our medical system are brilliant, you don’t need to be a paramedic to save a life. I could never, ever, ever have been able to live with myself if I didn’t know how to resuscitate him.”

Jack and Georgia have been together for 18 months, and just moved in together. If not for that, Jack would have been in the house alone – as his mum Victoria, stepdad Matt and 13-year-old sister Isabella were away in Spain at the time.

Victoria is grateful beyond words to Georgia for saving Jack.

Mum Victoria Norman with Jack. Picture: Victoria NormanMum Victoria Norman with Jack. Picture: Victoria Norman

“She called an ambulance and, completely on her own in our house, performed CPR – for which she had never had any training,” said Victoria.

“Her actions saved my son’s life. She showed courage and bravery, and her ability to remain calm shows a true hero.

“I couldn’t get home as flights were delayed, and was in a state in another country – which is every mother’s worst nightmare.

“She kept me informed the whole time. I definitely would be grieving my son if it wasn’t for her.

“I would like for her to be acknowledged for the hero she is. I can never repay her.”

Book in to a first aid training session today so you can save a life. www.canberrafirstaid.com

 

Aed

Injured man filmed abusing paramedics

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Injured man filmed abusing paramedics

A man was filmed launching an expletive filled tirade at paramedics as they tried to treat him following a car crash in Adelaide.

A 29-year-old man as well as a female passenger were struck by a car and knocked off their motorbike at Grange Rd during peak hour on Monday morning, Seven News reported.

The male rider suffered a broken leg and camera’s captured him hurling abuse at paramedics as they tried to help him.

He initially refused painkillers and started his foul-mouthed rant when authorities tried to move him onto a stretcher.

“Ahhhh you f***ing idiot. Ahhhh move me, f***ing move me,” he was heard screaming.

“Stop swearing now, seriously mate,” the female paramedic said.

“Get the f*** off me … Get off me, dog,” the patient screamed as another paramedic tried to help.

The paramedics can be heard trying to reassure the man that they are there to help but he had to be restrained when he started hitting out at paramedics.

 

Angry crocodile bites trainer’s arm

This is the terrifying moment a furious crocodile chows down on a trainer’s arm in front of dozens of horrified spectators at a show.

The gory spectacle unfolded in the Phokkathara zoo in Chiang rai, northern Thailand, yesterday after the croc apparently had enough of being teased.

Video filmed by an onlooker shows the reptile handler performing a stunt which involved reaching inside the creature’s jaws.

As he began pushing deeper down the croc’s throat he looked at the audience before telling the announcer to stop the music.

But the reptile struck back — suddenly chomping down and clamping its teeth into the man’s forearm before shaking him violently from side-to-side.

The performer was heard letting out an agonising howl before freeing himself and staggering away with blood dripping on the wet tiles.

The owner of the crocodile park, Dong Wittawat, said today the trainer who had been bitten was treated at the farm with bandaging to his arm.

Dong Wittawat said: ”The performer is fine. His name is Tao and he is 45.

”He was treated at the farm with bandaging. He loves crocodiles and he will be working again soon in the next two weeks. It is very rare for this to happen.”

—Read more.

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Asthma Boy

‘Significant’ link between asthma, ADHD

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Doctors have found a “significant” link between asthma and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children.

Dr Samuele Cortese, of the University of Southampton, who led the research, says the results suggest a “possible role of allergic mechanisms in ADHD” and could lead to changes in clinical management of the two conditions.

The study, by an international team of researchers, has been published in the journal Lancet Psychiatry.

Dr Cortese, associate professor in psychology and medicine, said: “By combining a comprehensive analysis of available studies with a new large population-based study, we provided rigorous evidence supporting a significant association between ADHD and asthma.

“Mental health practitioners as well as clinicians involved in the care of respiratory diseases should be aware of this association, which might help to reduce delay in the diagnosis of both ADHD and asthma.

“Future research should aim to understand the mechanisms underlying this association, including possible common inflammatory alterations.”

The study examined two sources of data for the research – one involving 49 pre-existing datasets and the other from a population-based study in Sweden.

A university spokesman said: “According to the analysis of the 49 datasets, the prevalence of asthma was 16.9 per cent in individuals with ADHD and 11.5 per cent in those without.

“The prevalence of ADHD was 8.8 per cent in individuals with asthma and 5.6 per cent in those without.

“Results were similar in the population-based study, where the prevalence of asthma was significantly higher in individuals with ADHD than in those without (24.8 per cent vs 16.1 per cent).

“Additionally, the prevalence of ADHD was significantly higher in individuals with asthma than in those without (5.5 per cent vs 3.3 per cent).”

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Kit

The 7 Best First Aid Kits For Any Situation

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A well-equipped first-aid kit is the foundation of any solid contingency plan. There are common elements found in each kit, but the contents should change to match where they will be stored, and what they’ll be expected to do.

In order to figure out the essentials of the first-aid kit and which ones are worth paying for,Popular Mechanics spoke with Col. Ian Wedmore, the emergency medicine consultant to the surgeon general of the U.S. Army, and Myke Hawke, survival expert, author and founder of Specops, a survival training company made up of special operations veterans.

1. The DIY First Aid Kit

An easy way to think about the necessary contents of a first-aid kit is to break it up into two categories: it should have bandages and it should have medicine. For a bare-bones kit, Wedmore recommends plenty of gauze, including at least one roll of Kerlix bandages and some non-adhesive gauze. A handful of butterfly bandagesdifferent-size bandages and an ace bandage should be included as well.

As far as medication goes, Tylenol or a generic equivalent, an anti-inflammatory such as aspirin, an antihistamine such as Benadryl and diarrhea medication would be sufficient for most short-term needs. A few pairs of rubber glovesparamedic’s scissorsalcohol padsNeosporin, lots of duct tape and a CPR face shield should finish the kit off. A small Tupperware container can make for a cheap, waterproof carrying case.

2. Pocket-Size First Aid

Coghlan’s Pack I First Aid Kit | $6

Coghlan’s Pack I kit contains all the materials needed to take care of minor skin wounds and is small enough to fit in a pocket, making it ideal for afternoon hikes and bike rides. The 1-inch by 3-inch moleskin pad provides relief for painful blisters, and the antiseptic pad and alcohol pad ensures wounds are clean.

3. Off-the-Shelf and Disaster-Ready First Aid

Respond Systems 4-Person Disaster Kit | $126

This disaster kit is built to sustain four people for three days; it includes 9600 calories’ worth of food and 96 ounces of water. All of the contents are stored in a 5-gallon plastic bucket, which can be converted to a makeshift toilet if needed. Survival expert Myke Hawke suggests swapping the plastic bucket for a metal one, so that it can be used to cook and boil water. Hawke also recommends replacing the kit’s four solar blankets with thick, heavy-duty trash bags. “Solar blankets are a neat concept for a day,” he tells PM. “After the first time you sleep in one, though, it falls apart. A trash bag can become a legitimate sleeping bag; it’s waterproof and it can be used to gather water.” The kit also includes a universal wrench to close damaged gas valves and a hand-crank emergency radio.

“If a kit is too big, you’re going to be less inclined to take it with you,” Hawke says. “And that will be the one day you need it.” Fortunately, the Ultralight & Watertight .9 weighs just 10 ounces and contains trauma pads, duct tape, an irrigation syringe and necessary medications. There are more than enough bandages in this kit to patch up serious skin wounds, and its three safety pins can be used to convert a T-shirt into a sling if needed. While using an irrigation syringe may sound intimidating to someone with limited medical knowledge, they’re crucial to flushing out deep wounds. Since they don’t contain needles they make it difficult for amateurs to induce further injuries.

5. Automobile Kit

Lifeline’s Warrior Road Assistance Kit | $100

A first-aid kit that is going to be stashed in the trunk should not only be able to address injuries, it should also be able to get you back on the road and out of harm’s way. In addition to the 45-piece first-aid kit, the Warrior Road Kit comes with a 250-psi air compressor, a reflective triangle and a set of jumper cables. The fleece hat, gloves and scarf for brutal winter breakdowns are thoughtful additions.

6. Boating First Aid

Adventure Medical Kits’ Marine 400 | $105

Sunburn, sea sickness and fishhooks through the hand are all common injuries at sea, which you may not think about while you’re still on land. The Marine 300 comes equipped with aloe vera gel, nausea medication meclizine and a complete guide to marine medicine, which includes information on hook removal. Hawke notes that the three-quarters of an ounce of iodine is a nice addition because of its versatility. “Don’t get iodine tablets, get the drops,” he says. “Three drops in a cup of water, let it sit for 30 minutes, and you’re good to drink it. It can also be used to clean wounds, where tablets can’t, so it saves space.” While this kit wouldn’t be sufficient for a crew heading out for several days, it’s ample for a family fishing excursion.

7. Non-Human First Aid

Creative Pet Products’ Sporting Dog | $100

Hunting dogs face countless risks out in the field, many of which can be fatal if not treated immediately. The most unique items in the Sporting Dog kit are the skin staple gun, which can be used to seal deep wounds, and the pill gun to assist in administering medications to unyielding pets. However, most of the supplies can be found in cheaper, human-oriented first-aid kits.

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Emergency Care Setting

First Aid Certificate while pregnant was the best decision

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Many thoughts and emotions run through you when you find out you’re pregnant. From excitement to joy, happiness and in most cases the question, “how will I look after this bundle of joy to the best of my ability?”

When I was six months pregnant with Jessica, our now five-and-a-half year old daughter, my husband Heath and I thought it would be a good idea to get our First Aid certificate.

Things happen in life and being best equipped to handle any situation that may arise was definitely confidence building for me as a soon-to-be mum.

Being trained doesn’t make you a helicopter mum (although that I am), I’ve just found that having First Aid knowledge means I can go about my everyday life with a little less stress.

Funnily enough, one of our best First Aid experiences was when Jess looked after ME! I’d cut my foot quite badly and knew I needed compression and elevation but I was unable to walk, so I asked Jess to go down the hall and grab some toilet paper.

She ran back as fast as she could, ready to help me stop the bleeding, toilet paper still attached at the other end and a perfect roll running down the length of the hall. It was so sweet I’d almost forgotten I’d probably need stitches.

I’d like to think my St John’s First Aid training kept me level-headed that day, and as for Jess, she is now a superstar in the First Aid department!

Whether it’s a graze, bite, sting or ankle sprain, being prepared for everyday events that require First Aid is definitely an awesome feeling and knowing that Jessica learns from her parents is a reassurance that cannot be understated.

Brodie Harper is showing her support for the First Aid Champion Awards, organised by St John Ambulance Victoria to honour the unsung heroes amongst us for using their First Aid skills and have made a lasting impact to people’s lives. Consisting of five categories, the First Aid Champion Awards recognise that First Aid is a vital skill to have, irrespective of age, gender, background or health status. The categories for nominations are Junior (under 12) First Aid ChampionYouth (under 18) First Aid ChampionSchool First Aid ChampionCommunity First Aid Champion and Workplace First Aid Champion, allowing for recognition across all aspects of society.

Nominate your First Aid Champion today through stjohnvic.com.au/champions

Make sure you book in to a first aid course in your local area. www.canberrafirstaid.com

 

Epipen

Infants have less severe food-induced anaphylaxis

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Symptoms of food-induced anaphylaxis in infants are much less severe than in toddlers and older children, according to a study from Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago published in the Annals of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology. Anaphylaxis is defined as a reaction that involves multiple systems in the body or a presentation with significant cardiac or respiratory symptoms. While in older children an allergic reaction to food can be life-threatening, anaphylaxis in infants mostly manifests as hives and vomiting, the study found. With over 350 cases analyzed, including 47 infants, this is the largest study to date to describe food-induced anaphylaxis in infants under 1 year of age compared to other age groups.

“We found that infants, unlike older children, have a low-severity food-induced anaphylaxis, which should come as reassuring news to parents who are about to introduce their baby to potentially allergenic foods like peanuts,” says lead author Waheeda Samady, MD, from Lurie Children’s, who also is an Assistant Professor of Pediatrics at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine. “Since early introduction of peanuts is now encouraged by national guidelines, it is understandable that parents might be fearful of triggering a serious reaction.”

The latest guidelines from the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, released January 2017, recommend that infants be introduced to peanut-containing foods between 4 and 6 months of age. These guidelines are a major shift from previous recommendations to avoid early introduction of peanut-containing products. The current guidelines are based on a study demonstrating that early peanut introduction to high-risk infants significantly decreased their risk of developing peanut allergy.

To describe food-induced anaphylaxis in infants, Dr. Samady and colleagues conducted a retrospective review of children who presented with this condition at the Lurie Children’s emergency department over a two-year period. Their analysis included 47 infants, 43 toddlers, 96 young children and 171 school-aged children.

They found that infants presented with gastrointestinal symptoms more frequently than any other age group (89 percent of infants vs. 63 percent of toddlers, 60 percent of young children and 58 percent of school-aged children). Vomiting, in particular, was present in 83 percent of infants. Infants and toddlers also presented with skin involvement more often than school-aged children (94 percent in infants and 91 percent in toddlers vs. 62 percent in school-aged children), with hives as the most common skin manifestation found in 70 percent of infants. Any respiratory symptoms including cough were more common in older age groups (17 percent in infants vs. 44 percent in young children and 54 percent in school-aged children). Only one infant in the study presented with wheezing. Low blood pressure also was present in only one infant. No infant in the study died from anaphylaxis.

“If a baby develops only a mild rash or gastrointestinal symptoms after trying a new food, we advise parents to discuss this reaction with the child’s physician,” says senior author Ruchi Gupta, MD, MPH, from Lurie Children’s, who also is an Associate Professor of Pediatrics at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine. “If there are multiple symptoms, make sure to call 911 and get emergency help immediately.”

 

Asthma Boy

David Beckham’s Diet Plays A Key Role In His Asthma Management

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Heading into the FIFA World Cup in 2010, football great David Beckham sent shockwaves through the sporting world when he was snapped using an inhaler on the sideline for LA Galaxy. His health was immediately brought into question by England fans, forcing the star to reveal he had been playing with asthma throughout his entire career.

“I’ve got a slight case of asthma which I’ve had for years,’ he told ITV News at the time. ‘It’s never came out (until now) because I’ve had no reason to talk about it, but that’s just me.”

Beckham’s revelation was an instant inspiration for those dealing with the respiratory condition. The fact that one of the greatest athletes of his generation could reach such sporting peaks, while living with asthma, was an incredible feat. And only now, almost 10 years later, do we have clarity on what may have assisted DB to deal with the effects.

New research from Paris University published in the European Respiratory Journalsuggests that a healthy diet is directly linked to a reduction in asthma symptoms and asthma control.

“Our findings suggest that a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and fiber is more likely to lower asthma symptoms,” says lead researcher Roland Andrianasolo of the Paris University Nutritional Epidemiology Research Team.

Asthma is a respiratory condition affecting 1 in 9 Australians. During an asthma attack, often induced by exercise, an asthmatic’s airways become inflamed and narrow, producing extra mucus and making it hard to breathe. It’s currently widely managed through the use of prescription inhalers, however this new research may provide further management strategies.

“From a public-health perspective, our results encourage people to promote healthy diet behavior rather than eating specific foods or nutrients,” he says.

The study goes on to suggest that diets high in salt and meat may have an opposite effect, exaggerating the symptoms of asthma in those affected.

According to The Daily Meal, Beckham’s high level of performance and minimal asthma symptoms may be a direct result of his diet. The site reports that Becks eats a diet of lean meats, high in leafy vegetables, beans and cauliflower, sourcing his fats from yogurt and olive oil; a diet very much in line with the recent findings.

The study, and accompanying evidence unintentionally provided by Beckham, provides asthmatics with a potentially great non-pharmaceutical option to control the symptoms associated with the condition.

Book in to a first aid course now. We provide Asthma First Aid Course on site Training. www.canberrafirstaid.com

 

CPR

A first in first aid course awards

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A NEW awards program will honour unsung heroes who have saved lives or helped people in time of emergency by using first aid skills.

St John Ambulance Victoria is asking people to nominate family, friends, work colleagues or classmates who have helped others as first aid responders.

Frankston resident Brodie Harper, Nine Network Postcards TV show presenter, says being properly trained in first aid is a vital skill to learn.

“If you know somebody who has gone above and beyond the call of duty, the First Aid Champion Awards is the ideal way to honour them,” she said.

“Being a mother and working a job that requires me to wear different hats has shown me that First Aid training is vital for everyday living. You never know what’s going to happen and I always want to be prepared, especially when I have to travel a lot for work.”

There are five awards nomination categories in the inaugural First Aid Champion Awards — Junior First Aid Champion (Under 12), Youth First Aid Champion (under 18), School First Aid Champion, Community First Aid Champion and Workplace First Aid Champion.

St John Ambulance Victoria CEO Gordon Botwright said the awards will emphasise how important it is for people to learn first aid course skills.

“First Aid training is always such an important skill to have, no matter what age you are, and we hope to acknowledge all age groups, workplaces, schools, community groups and of course our volunteers, without whom our work wouldn’t be possible,” Mr Botwright said.

“Last year alone we trained over 187,901 Victorian school children and reached over 313,337 people across Victoria.

“It only takes one person to save a life. We think it is important these unsung heroes are acknowledged for their extraordinary acts of service”.

Nominations close on 22 August. Winners will be announced at an awards ceremony, honouring Victorians incredible acts of First Aid ahead of World First Aid day on 7 September.

The Award winners will be chosen by a panel of judges, with one entrant taking home the overall Victorian First Aid Champion of the Year Award.

See stjohnvic.com.au/champions or call 8588 8590 to nominate.

First published in the Southern Peninsula News – 24 July 2018

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Kit

Plan to teach all children first aid

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Schoolchildren in England will have to learn first aid under proposals put forward by the government.

Draft legislation says primary school children will be taught basic first aid, such as dealing with head injuries and calling emergency services.

Secondary school children will learn life-saving skills such as CPR and the purpose of defibrillators.

The British Heart Foundation said the move would improve “shockingly low survival rates from cardiac arrests”.

Education Secretary Damian Hinds said he wanted to give young people “the tools they need to be ready to thrive when they leave school”.

The plan was announced as part of new guidelines on relationships and health education in schools.

The BHF said that fewer than one in 10 people survive cardiac arrests suffered outside of hospital, with 10,000 people in the UK dying each year as a result.

Survival rates in countries that teach first aid in school are up to three times higher, the BHF said.

‘Vital’ skills

Research by the British Red Cross, which also campaigns on the issue, found that 95% of British adults would not be able to provide aid in “three of the most life-threatening first aid emergencies”.

Mike Adamson, the charity’s chief executive, said teaching children “simple yet vital first aid skills” would save lives.

The government’s decision comes after Lord Kerslake’s inquiry into the Manchester Arena bombing in May 2017 found members of the public tried to help the injured and dying but lacked the requisite skills.

The report into the blast, which killed 22 people, praised the public response.

But the inquiry raised concerns that people on the scene were “trying their very best in genuinely harrowing circumstances” but “did not appear familiar with first aid principles”.

The draft legislation also outlines plans to let 15-year-olds overrule their parents’ wishes and opt-in to sex education lessons they have previously been withdrawn from.

Mr Hinds said children should be able to request sex education in at least one of the three terms before their 16th birthday.

Until then, parents will retain the right to withdraw their children.

Book into a first aid course today at www.canberrafirstaid.com