Shropshire man urges others to learn first aid after training helped save his life
“We do this first aid training thinking we can help others… but it might just save your own life too”
A Shropshire man is encouraging others to learn first aid after his training helped him recognise the signs of a heart attack and take action when he needed it most.
St John Ambulance, England’s leading first aid charity, is urging people to build their confidence in lifesaving skills, highlighting how knowing what to do in an emergency can make a critical difference.
The charity’s aim is to put the power of first aid into everyone’s hands, helping ensure people are closer to vital support when emergencies happen.
Last year, St John Ambulance taught 180,381 people lifesaving skills and provided 458,000 volunteer hours, supporting 29,735 patients at events across the country.
Hugh Strickland, County President for Shropshire, recently experienced first-hand the importance of having first aid knowledge.
In November, Hugh suffered sudden and severe symptoms of a heart attack. Thanks to his training with St John Ambulance, he immediately recognised the warning signs and knew to take aspirin while waiting for emergency help.
A stent was fitted shortly afterwards and Hugh has since made a full recovery.
Reflecting on his experience, he said: “We do this first aid training often thinking we can help others - and that is important - but it might just save your own life too.”
St John Ambulance continues to support communities through its youth programmes, workplace training, community initiatives and partnerships, helping more people gain the confidence to respond in emergencies.
The charity is encouraging people to learn essential first aid skills, from recognising cardiac symptoms to knowing how to act quickly when someone needs help.