Aston Manor Academy Hosts Vital First Aid Workshop with St John’s Ambulance with a visit from the West Midlands Police Commissioner

As part of the Aston Manor Academy Sixth Form enrichment program, students recently had the valuable opportunity to participate in a critical first aid workshop led by St John’s Ambulance. The session, aimed at equipping students with potentially life-saving skills, was an immersive and interactive experience that covered a range of essential topics.

Hands-On Learning: CPR, Stab Wounds, and Recovery Position

The workshop focused heavily on practical demonstrations, ensuring that students not only learned the theory behind first aid but also gained hands-on experience. One of the key areas covered was CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation), a life-saving technique used in emergencies such as cardiac arrest. Students were guided step-by-step on how to administer CPR effectively, a crucial skill that could one day make the difference between life and death.

Another important aspect of the workshop was learning how to apply a tourniquet in the event of a stab wound—a particularly relevant and timely topic given the ongoing concerns around knife crime. Students learned the importance of acting quickly in such situations to control bleeding and provide essential first aid while waiting for emergency services.

In addition, the session covered the recovery position—a vital manoeuvre used when someone has lost consciousness, particularly following incidents such as being spiked by a substance. This part of the workshop sparked important conversations about personal safety, especially in social settings, and provided practical guidance on how to care for someone in distress.

Mental Health and Wellbeing: More Than Just Physical First Aid

The workshop didn’t stop at physical first aid. Recognising the importance of mental health and wellbeing, St John’s Ambulance also facilitated a discussion on how to manage mental health crises. With increasing awareness of the mental health challenges faced by young people today, this part of the session encouraged students to be mindful of their own mental well-being and that of their peers. Learning to identify signs of distress and how to offer support is just as crucial as knowing how to respond to physical emergencies.

A Visit from West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner Simon Foster

The event was further enriched by a special appearance from Simon Foster, the West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner (WMPCC). Foster addressed the students directly, sharing insights into the critical work being done to protect young people across the region. His focus was on tackling some of the most pressing issues facing youth today, including knife crime, county lines, gangs, and drug-related dangers.

Foster outlined the various initiatives that the WMPCC is leading to keep young people safe, emphasising the importance of community involvement and education in preventing crime. His presence underscored the gravity of the challenges that young people face, but also offered hope by showing how law enforcement and community programs are working together to create safer environments.

Empowering Students for the Future

The workshop was an important reminder that young people must be equipped with the tools they need to stay safe—both physically and mentally. From learning life-saving first aid techniques to understanding the dangers posed by knife crime and drug-related activities, Aston Manor Academy’s Sixth Form students left the event with newfound knowledge and confidence to handle a range of emergency situations.

The presence of St John’s Ambulance and the West Midlands Police Commissioner Simon Foster highlighted the commitment of both organisations to educating and empowering young people. Events like these are a crucial part of the Academy’s enrichment program, offering students not just academic growth but also practical skills that will benefit them throughout their lives.

In today’s world, where emergencies can arise at any time, the value of being prepared cannot be overstated. Aston Manor Academy continues to lead by example, ensuring that its students are equipped with vital knowledge to navigate an increasingly complex and challenging environment.