THIRTY students from Tavistock College were among thousands from across Devon that have learned the skills to save a life, thanks to a new partnership between St John Ambulance, the nation's leading first aid charity and engineering support service company Babcock International Group.

Tavistock College's transition officer Andy Jerrett said: 'Our young people had a great day learning first aid — they thoroughly enjoyed themselves and felt it was so beneficial for them.

'The training was delivered in a very informative but relaxed manner and we'd like to thank St John Ambulance and Babcock for allowing us to take part in this vitally important programme.'

Newly launched for 2015, Babcock's Support Services Division is funding a series of first aid training courses delivered by St John Ambulance to pupils in Devon.

The partnership unites the two organisations in a common charitable cause — namely, giving school children the skills that can be the difference between a life lost and a life saved.

Babcock LDP works in partnership with Devon County Council to deliver education improvement and support services across more than 350 schools — all of which have been offered first aid training.

Training sessions are created specifically to suit pupils' needs; from an introduction to resuscitation (which includes the primary survey, the recovery position and cardiopulmonary resuscit-ation) to other essential life saving skills, such as how to treat choking, shock, burns and scalds, fainting and chest pains.

Steve Hargreaves, regional director for St John Ambulance in the South West, said: 'Our partnership with Babcock will enable St John Ambulance to create a new generation of lifesavers, by training thousands of school children in first aid.

'This will give a long lasting benefit to communities across the country, as all the young people trained could potentially be the difference between a life lost and a life saved, whether it's a friend, family member or complete stranger.'

For further information about first aid training in schools, call 01452 858223 or email [email protected]">[email protected] or visit http://www.sja.org.uk">www.sja.org.uk