St John Ambulance, the nation’s leading first aid charity, is launching Save a Life September as part of a campaign to equip as many people as possible with vital first aid skills. Throughout September, the charity will be giving free demonstrations at locations across the British Isles, including the Isle of Man. The public will learn how to save a life using five easy-to-follow techniques and will receive a free pocket-sized first aid guide to carry in case of emergency. In the Island, events will take place on Saturday 24th September between 10am and 4pm at: The Strand Shopping Centre, Douglas Shoprite, Bridson Street, Port Erin The Mill Shop, Tynwald Mills, St John’s Ramsey Town Hall, Parliament Square, Ramsey Sessions will also be held for students at Castle Rushen High School, King William’s College and the Isle of Man College. Research carried out by St John Ambulance last year showed that up to 150,000 people* die every year in situations where first aid could have given them the chance to live. This includes nearly 900 people who choke to death, 2,500 who asphyxiate from a blocked airway and 29,000 who die from heart attacks. In addition, the charity found that around 58%** people wouldn't know what to do if faced with a medical emergency and a quarter would do nothing. Phil Bennett, Commercial Development Officer for St John Ambulance Isle of Man, said: ‘Learning first aid is one of the single most important things you can do in your life. You never know when you may need it – at work, at home, in school, playing sport. With basic first aid skills, anyone can be the difference between a life lost and a life saved and what could be more important than saving someone’s life? ‘By launching Save a Life September and holding first aid demonstrations across the Island, we want to reach as many people as possible, so that more people are equipped with the skills to save a life. Anyone who needs first aid should get it and armed with this knowledge we can all be the difference between a life lost and a life saved.’ To find out more about events in your area, visit www.sja.org.uk/sals or call 01624 674387. For further information about St John Ambulance Isle of Man or to find out how to sign up for first aid courses, volunteer or support its work via donations, please ring 01624 674387 or visit www.sja.org.uk/sja/counties/isle-of-man.aspx ENDS