The idea of teaching school children cardio pulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and basic life-saving first aid skills in school is not a new concept.

In fact some countries they have been teaching school children these skills for many years and have embraced its importance by incorporating it into the school curriculum.

Although there is no legal obligation for businesses to provide first aid training to any one employee, there are some industry guidelines worth noting. The Health and Safety (First-Aid) Regulations 1981 require employers to provide adequate and appropriate equipment, facilities and personnel to ensure that an employee who is injured or taken ill at work receives immediate attention.

Resuscitation or first aid is probably the last thing on your mind at this time of year, but reluctantly it might end up being the first.

Experts in first aid have always advised to cover any bleeding wound with a sterile dressing, apply direct pressure and elevate where possible.

This practice has always been widely accepted and aims primarily to stem blood loss through encouraging coagulation at the wound site and also protecting the wound from contamination which may cause infection.