SHOCKING figures released today by St John Ambulance show that over 69pc of young people would not know how to treat a friend or loved one who needed first aid.

SHOCKING figures released today by St John Ambulance show that over 69pc of young people would not know how to treat a friend or loved one who needed first aid.

Launching the nationwide schools strategy campaign - Developing Skills, Saving Lives - St John Ambulance surveyed over 1,500 primary and secondary children from across the UK (with help from The Children's Forum).

Over 80pc of those questioned believe that the public would think more positively of young people if they knew they were first aid trained and 83pc would feel more confident about helping those around them if they were taught first aid.

The strategy is being launched by St John Ambulance at the Education Show, taking place from March 26 to 28 at the Birmingham NEC, and aims to ensure that those who wish to be first aid trained have access to such training.

Every year 400,000 young people are injured at school, with more injuries occurring outside the school ground. Only a small percentage of the 450,000 teachers and eight million pupils are first aid trained; however, over half of those surveyed would like to learn first aid if only the resources were available.

The research prompted a strong reaction among teachers, who felt that first aid should be offered to pupils to learn, whether this was at an after-school club or within citizenship and PSHE modules - the latter of which will be compulsory from 2011.

Anne Chaplin, from St John Ambulance Suffolk, said: 'The fact that teachers are calling for more young people to learn first aid is a very encouraging sign. First aid saves lives and you are never too young to learn. More importantly, our research shows that young people want to learn about it.

'First aid can do more than save lives or care for a friend; it could change how people think about young people. Teachers recognise that it can also help pupils understand the value of life and importance of communication and teamwork, as well as boost self-esteem - and let's not forget that learning first aid looks great on your CV.'

To find out more visit www.sja.org.uk/schools or call 08700 104950 .