TV presenter and acid-attack survivor Katie Piper has called for first aid to be taught in every school following a ‘shocking rise’ in the number of acid attacks on the nation’s streets.
Speaking at The Mail on Sunday-backed Everyday Heroes awards, the campaigner joined top NHS officials, celebrities and the bereaved families of those who could have been saved by first aid to make an emotional plea to the Government to ensure all children receive the crucial training.
Katie, who was left with severe facial burns after her former boyfriend orchestrated the attack in 2008, said she knew ‘from personal experience’ how important it was to know what to do in an emergency.
Katie Piper suffered severe facial burns after her former boyfriend orchestrated an attack against her in 2008 and believes her experience shows the importance of first aid
She instinctively splashed water on her face from a nearby toilet. But only now, after the number of acid attacks in London doubled in just three years, has NHS guidance been issued recommending rinsing such burns as a first crucial step.
At the star-studded event for St John Ambulance, she paid tribute to the bravery of members of the public during ‘truly terrible incidents’ such as the Manchester Arena bomb, the London Bridge attacks and acid attacks.
She said: ‘When we see the incredible actions people take during these tragic events, we’re reminded how vital it is not only to learn first aid and tell our loved ones to learn first aid, but also to encourage our schools to teach it and our Government to ensure it is featured on the national curriculum.’
The call was backed by NHS England’s former medical director, Professor Sir Bruce Keogh, and celebrities including Girls Aloud singer Kimberley Walsh, Dragon’s Den star Duncan Bannatyne and Michelle Dewberry, winner of The Apprentice.
Professor Sir Bruce Keogh said he learned first aid as a child and said he would love to support a campaign which saw the skill passed to schools as it was in the common good
Caine Wildman, pictured, won the Guy Evans Young Hero of the Year award for 2017
Prof Keogh, who learned first aid as a child, said: ‘I would love to support a campaign to ensure first aid is taught in schools. It would be good for children, good for families and it would be good for the NHS and our society.’
Kimberley Walsh revealed that she had learned first aid and that her three-year-old son, Bobby, knew how to dial 999 in an emergency. ‘You underestimate what kids can do,’ she said. ‘As a mum, I know it’s really, really important.’
As Britain’s leading first-aid charity, St John Ambulance teaches first-aid skills to about 400,000 people across the UK every year. The charity’s glittering awards ceremony at the Hilton Bankside hotel on September 28 paid tribute to ordinary members of the public who courageously administered first aid to help others.
At the event, 14-year-old Caine Wildman was named the Guy Evans Young Hero, in a vote by readers of The Mail on Sunday.
Caine, from Bilston, near Wolverhampton, was praised for his bravery when he found his father Craig collapsed on the sofa and not breathing. Doctors later diagnosed him with double pneumonia – and said Caine’s calm actions and first-aid skills had saved his life.
NEWSREADER CATHY’S HERO
Newsreader Cathy Newman awarded fire fighter Nathan Cane, right, a Special Commendation Award after he saved her uncle’s life – while off-duty in Euston Station
Firefighter Nathan Cane, from Stockport, was off-duty in London’s Euston Station when he saved the life of John Newman, the uncle of Channel 4 news presenter Cathy Newman.
Mr Newman had collapsed on the concourse after suffering a cardiac arrest, and Nathan, 45, began CPR and called British Transport Police officers to bring a defibrillator.
Nathan then used the defibrillator to bring Mr Newman back to life, and although he was given a heart bypass in hospital, he has since made a full recovery.
Broadcaster Cathy, who presented the special award to Nathan, said: ‘My uncle would not be alive were it not for the actions of Nathan and those two British Transport Police officers.’
I WANT TO SAVE MORE BABIES
Natasha Jones, pictured, saved the life of an 11-week-old baby girl
Despite having no first-aid training, Natasha Jones used instinct alone to save her 11-week-old baby girl when she suddenly stopped breathing in her cot during a nap.
Natasha, 38, from Hampshire, calmly began CPR after finding Ava-Mai lifeless, even though she had only seen it performed on TV.
‘She was very blue and wasn’t moving and my heart stopped in my chest,’ Natasha said. ‘When I picked her up she was a rag doll – her head rolled back, her eyes rolled back. I thought she was dead.’
Determined to turn her terrifying experience into something positive, Natasha set up community project Baby Resuscitation, which offers CPR training to parents and carers.
More than 900 people have attended courses – including Girls Aloud singer Kimberley Walsh – which have contributed to saving at least two lives so far.
The Mail on Sunday and St John Ambulance need your help to create a generation of lifesavers.
Your generosity really could help prevent more avoidable deaths.
Simply text the word LIFE to 70025 to donate £5, or call 0114 238 7425 or go to sja.org.uk/donate.
Texts will be charged at £5 plus one message at your standard network rate.