Medical students pass on their skills to Norwich school children

On 1 December a team of enthusiastic Norwich medical students are visiting Blackdale Middle School to teach the children how to handle a medical emergency.

The Year Seven pupils will learn how to make an effective 999 call and practise basic life support until an ambulance arrives.

Three resuscitation ‘dolls’ used in the demonstration have been bought with the help of the Ha Ha Bar & Canteen in Tombland, who provided ½ price cocktails at a fundraising evening in October. This event raised £320 for the   CPRIS (CPR in Schools project).

All the medical students are based at the UEA’s School of Medicine, Health Policy and Practice. They have all completed  life support training as part of their medical studies and some are also qualified as instructors. Their involvement in the project is voluntary and they are not being paid for their time.

Among the students is Caroline Sweeney, a former A&E nurse who also works part-time as an A&E nurse for Broomfield Hospital in Chelmsford to support her studies.

“Children are unlikely to be called upon to help someone in the street – a more common scenario is that an elderly relative or friend collapses at home,” says Caroline. “If we can teach them how to cope with this sort of emergency, they might one day be able to save a life.

 “The aim is to not just to teach these vital skills but to stimulate interest in health service careers among young people. We are hoping to extend the training scheme to schools throughout Norfolk.”

Media contact:  Sue Jones, NNUH on 01603 289944