A PROJECT aimed at saving lives by training people in basic life support skills has been launched.As part of a national initiative by the British Heart Foundation, training sessions in Bury St Edmunds will target schools, businesses and voluntary organisations.

A PROJECT aimed at saving lives by training people in basic life support skills has been launched.

As part of a national initiative by the British Heart Foundation, training sessions in Bury St Edmunds will target schools, businesses and voluntary organisations.

Resuscitation trainers at the West Suffolk Hospital, Barry Smith, Liz Whittaker and Julie Head are leading the project.

"In Britain we are behind the rest of Europe in training the public in basic life support techniques," Mr Smith said. "In countries such as Sweden and Germany, people are taught at school or as part of their driving exam how to deliver emergency care to someone who has collapsed.

"Traditionally we tend to leave things to the professionals, however, simply putting someone into the recovery position and ensuring their airways are clear could mean the difference between life and death."

A range of professionals, including paramedics, hospital consultants and nurses, will teach people a range of skills such as mouth-to-mouth resuscitation and what to do if someone is choking.

Sessions will take place in village halls, GP surgeries, offices, factories and at the Bury hospital.

For full details of the life-saving sessions contact Liz Whittaker on 01284 713508.