LIFE-SAVING first aid tips which could help hundreds of babies are being demonstrated by a paramedic in a unique post-natal project.The Saxmundham post natal group's 10 week programme covers all aspects of caring for young babies, from massage to travel safety to dental care.

LIFE-SAVING first aid tips which could help hundreds of babies are being demonstrated by a paramedic in a unique post-natal project.

The Saxmundham post natal group's 10 week programme covers all aspects of caring for young babies, from massage to travel safety to dental care.

It is also has the services of its very own paramedic, Derek Turner, on hand to offer advice on infant resuscitation.

Mr Turner said: "This course is an extremely refreshing approach to post-natal support. I think most new parents dread that moment where they have to act in an emergency, especially with their own child.

"By giving them simple and effective advice on life saving and emergency techniques, we can go a long way to giving them confidence to deal with most situations.

"It's easy to say it won't happen to me, but unfortunately, on occasion, it does."

Mr Turner, who has previously worked as a member of the Special Helicopter Response Team in London, also runs first aid sessions in Wickham Market and Leiston.

The Saxmundham course is run by Suffolk Coastal Primary Care Trust health visitors Angela Santy and Alison Hurley.

Ms Santy said: "Having a paramedic on a post-natal course might initially sound strange, but Derek provides a huge amount of help and confidence for parents in an area that has to be approached extremely carefully."

Other sessions on the course are run by a range of guest speakers including Suffolk county council's highways department, physiotherapists and a community psychiatric nurse.

The sessions are open to all first time mothers. Anyone who would like more information should contact Angela or Alison on 01728 602799.