2,500 children benefit from lifesaving first aid training thanks to ExxonMobil Fawley
Primary school children across Hampshire’s Waterside region and the New Forest are benefiting from more lifesaving first aid courses, thanks to an additional £30,000 donation from ExxonMobil Fawley.
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Building on last year’s successful training, the petrochemical complex is continuing its partnership with New Forest First Aid Training, aiming to enhance safety and provide critical skills to future generations.
With the additional funding, New Forest First Aid Training will deliver its acclaimed ‘Mini Medics’ courses to 2,500 pupils throughout the academic year.
More than 75 sessions are being delivered to students aged 7-12 across 40 schools in Beaulieu, Blackfield, Dibden Purlieu, Hamble-le-Rice, Holbury, Hythe, and Marchwood, equipping them with essential first aid skills.
To launch the initiative, Blackfield Primary School welcomed first-aid trained ExxonMobil ambassadors to their classrooms to support the provision of essential response techniques.
"Those living in rural areas, such as the New Forest, are typically further away from hospitals compared to those in larger cities, which makes immediate first aid even more critical,” said Joe Day, Director of New Forest First Aid Training.
“Learning these skills at such a young age helps grow confidence and a sense of responsibility. Thanks to the support from ExxonMobil Fawley, we will teach thousands of students how to respond in an emergency. Without their funding, we simply would not have been able to provide this additional training.”
As pupils embark on their journey to becoming a ‘Mini Medic,’ they will benefit from practical and theory-based lessons to equip them with vital skills, including life-saving CPR.
Josh Rigby, Assistant Principal at Blackfield Primary School Juniors said, “We are passionate about our pupils learning the life skills they need to help look after themselves, their families, and the wider community.
“This training could one day save lives and our students have shown great enthusiasm which we are thrilled to see. Thank you to ExxonMobil Fawley for making this possible.”
Richard Rastall, Fawley Site Safety, Security, Health & Environment Manager, said: “Safety is at the heart of everything we do at the Fawley site, so this is such a meaningful contribution that we are proud to support.
“We are excited for young people to learn these vital skills, which they can use in school, at home and in the local community and will be carried with them throughout their life.”