EVERY child in Glasgow should be given first aid training so they can help save lives.

 

That is the call from Greens councillors, who will put forward a motion today proposing that school pupils receive CPR training.

Partick West councillor Martin Bartos said the motion reflected events, including the Queen Street tragedy and the Clutha crash, and city residents' helpful nature.

If the proposal is successful, it will mean all school-leavers, from the end of next year, will have been taught the basics of the first aid technique.

CPR is used by first aiders if someone is not breathing properly or their heart has stopped.

The British Heart Foundation have been campaigning to increase knowledge of basic CPR with their Nation of Lifesavers policy and they are supportive of the Greens' calls.

The motion says: "In the light of the tragedies experienced by Glasgow in recent years and paying tribute to the consistent efforts of its citizens as passers-by to help; Glasgow City Council recognises its responsibilities in educating its youngest citizens as well as providing opportunities to Glaswegians of all ages to learn to help their fellow citizens.

"Council therefore instructs Education Services to further develop, implement and integrate age appropriate instruction city wide on dealing with emergencies for every pupil age group, with the goal that before the end of 2016, by school leaving age, every Glasgow educated school pupil has had training in basic CPR."

They have also called on the council and Glasgow Life to help signpost adults towards resources for learning CPR, first aid and emergency response.

They want to see every library, museum and sports facility to display information on how to learn to be a lifesaver.

Mr Bartos said: "Over the years Glaswegians have faced many sudden public tragedies and we know by-standers want to help.

"Our emergency services do an excellent job, but whether it's the big incidents people hear about or the many private emergencies which affect families privately across the city, there's often a window of opportunity before professional help arrives, when people could receive lifesaving help from friends, family and bystanders.

"The Greens want Glaswegians, young and old, to feel more confident in knowing what to do to help - we want Glasgow to lead as a City of Lifesavers and that's why we're hoping all parties are going to back our proposal that the council works to make that happen."