Major CPR and defibrillator training rolled out to pupils at Okehampton schools

178 pupils at Okehampton Primary and St James Church of England Primary School have taken part in free lifesaving training led by local group Okehampton PADs.

The training, which took place over four days in June, was delivered to Year 5 and Year 6 pupils through a series of 90-minute sessions.

Children were taught how to recognise when someone needs help, call the emergency services, place someone in the recovery position, perform CPR, use a defibrillator and deal with choking.

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Joe Rice from Okehampton PADs led the sessions, which were designed to be hands-on, interactive and age-appropriate.

Okehampton PADs, a volunteer-led group, installs and maintains defibrillators in the town and offers free training to the community. The sessions for the schools were made possible with support from local businesses and organisations.

A spokesperson for Okehampton PADs said teaching children these skills helps build confidence and improve chances of survival in out-of-hospital cardiac arrests, where survival rates are currently under 10%.

Miss Allen, a Year 6 teacher at St James, said: “Oke PADs provided an incredible learning experience for our students through its comprehensive training. Oke PADs made a lasting impression by delivering essential life-saving skills in a hands-on, interactive, and age-appropriate manner. The sessions were not only informative but also engaging. By participating in these activities, our children gained the confidence and knowledge needed to respond effectively in emergency situations. We are truly grateful for Oke PADs visit and the important contribution it made to our students' education and safety awareness.”

One pupil, Sofia Radford in Year 5, said she enjoyed learning how to use a defibrillator and had been able to put her sister into the recovery position at home.

There are currently 15 defibrillators in Okehampton and more than 80 public access defibrillators within a 15-mile radius.

The European Resuscitation Council recommends that all children are taught CPR from primary school age.

Okehampton PADs has thanked The Lions Club, Reddaways Removals, Frost Accountants, The Plume of Feathers, Stevens Estate Agents and Okehampton Rotary Club for supporting the event.

The next free community training session will take place on Friday 27 September, from 10am to 12 noon at Okehampton Bowls Club. To book a space, email okepads@gmail.com.