CHAGFORD is a safer place thanks to residents who have life saving first aid skills. Pupils at Chagford School and the town's 'Toast Club' mothers and toddler group received basic first aid training from the British Red Cross. In previous visits to Chagford the Red Cross team taught all 170 primary school children the recovery position for an unconscious person. In the latest visit, Year 3 pupils staged a mock scene where a child had been knocked down by a car while skateboarding. As well as covering road safety and the importance of protective gear, the children answered questions on calling an ambulance and how they could help the injured person. Jim O'Brien, the class teacher, said: 'It's been great and the children have really enjoyed it and remembered so much from the Red Cross's last visit.' Meanwhile up the road at the 'Toast Club' mothers had the chance to learn or brush up on what to do if a child chokes, becomes unconscious or suffers a burn. The group split into two with half minding each other's children while the other half had a go at basic first aid. Debbie Andrews, from the group, said: 'Today's session has been really reassuring and has whetted my appetite to learn more.' Although the town has retained fire fighters who are co- responders for ambulance calls, the Red Cross helps people to react in the critical minutes before help arrives. Peter Juniper, senior Red Cross community trainer, said: 'If someone is unconscious and their airway is blocked, just the simple action of quickly opening it can save a life. 'Without oxygen to the brain , permanent damage can start after only three minutes, so it's important that all ages know how to react.' The Red Cross is keen to reach rural or isolated communities and extend people's life saving skills. Anyone interested in setting up a rural course should contact Peter Juniper on 01392 353279.
