Following the success of its recent partnership with the National Childbirth Trust (NCT) Guernsey, St John will provide more first aid courses for new parents.

The courses which took place earlier this year taught parents essential lifesaving skills for babies and toddlers giving the attendees the knowledge to deal with a broad range of emergency situations from resuscitation to choking. A further two sessions will be run on Saturday 24 July and Saturday 1 October.

St John paramedic tutor Graham Le Maitre said: “We’re looking forward to putting on more sessions for parents as this course focuses on the emergency scenarios that parents, and those looking after young children and infants, may face. These are such important skills that everyone looking after a child should learn.

“Whether it’s knowing how to put your baby in the recovery position or how to deal with an unconscious toddler, it’s incredibly important to know what to do; it could save a child’s life.”

NCT Guernsey first aid coordinator, Laura Milford, said: “We had such a good response to the courses that we ran in April and May this year. The parents that attended went away feeling well informed and confident that they’d know what to do in an emergency; we’re hoping the upcoming sessions will help to give more parents in the island that peace of mind.”

The partnership with NCT Guernsey follows the launch of a national St John campaign earlier this year that taught parents how to give a baby CPR. The three hour course will take place at Les Cotils on 24 July and 1 October and will cost £50 per parent.  Places can be booked via nctgsyfirstaid@hotmail.com.