ST John Ambulance has launched a new campaign to try and equip as many people as possible with vital first aid skills so they can be the difference between a life lost and a life saved.

The Save a Life September campaign will see the charity giving free first aid demonstrations at locations across the British Isles including the Isle of Man.

This Saturday, September 24, St John Ambulance will run sessions between 10am and 4pm at The Strand Shopping Centre in Douglas, Shoprite in Port Erin, The Mill Shop in Tynwald Mills and Ramsey Town Hall.

At the sessions the public will be taught how to save a life using five easy to follow techniques and will be given a free pocket sized first aid guide to carry in case of an emergency.

Sessions will also be held for students at Castle Rushen High School, King William's College and the Isle of Man College.

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."

For further information about St John Ambulance Isle of Man telephone 01624 674387 or visit www.sja.org.uk/sja/counties/isle-of-man.aspx.