More than 500 pupils at a Beaconsfield school have been trained in how to give lifesaving CPR and to use a defibrillator thanks to the efforts of a dedicated community first responder.

Beaconsfield High School took part in the European Restart a Heart Day initiative in October 2017 and since then, Les Owen, a community first responder for South Central Ambulance Service (SCAS), has returned to the school on a number of occasions to help train 535 students in lifesaving first aid techniques. 

Les, who has been a community first responder for SCAS since 2014, said: “Beaconsfield High School for Girls, under the guidance of the head teacher, Rachel Smith, have recognised the value of explaining CPR and the ease of use of a defibrillator. 

“The school staff and students have shown great enthusiasm to learn. Local people can feel proud they have so many students at one of their local schools who will recognise and know what to do if a cardiac arrest occurs. 

“Well done everyone and thank you for your support.”

Earlier this year, the Government announced that the UK would finally catch up with some other countries around the world by ensuring that CPR training and other lifesaving skills would be part of compulsory health education in all schools in England by 2020.

Rachel Smith, head teacher, said: “I was so personally touched by one student’s example of saving her father’s life by knowing CPR that her story led us to roll-out this training across the school, helping to potentially save more lives in the future.

"It perfectly fits within our Getting Life Ready initiative, which was created to develop life skills that are needed to flourish now and after school.

“The CPR training delivered by Les was top-notch, and our students all thoroughly the learning challenge, and the opportunity that we were able to give them. 

“The school is so committed to the benefits of this training that we are also considering rolling it out to staff.”