In a community effort, a local mum from Nunney has ensured that 18 villagers are now equipped with life-saving first aid skills, after organising a special two-hour training session hosted by Mini First Aid Dorset, East Somerset and South Wiltshire last Friday.

The event, which took place at Nunney Village Hall, was arranged thanks to Annemarie Sweet's desire to learn baby and child first aid skills while also making sure her community was better prepared to handle emergencies, especially when it comes to the safety of young children.

After rallying a group of eager participants from the village, Annemarie hired the local hall and invited Mini First Aid down to deliver its award-winning two-hour first aid class.

The session covered key first aid techniques focused on babies and children up to the age of 18, making it a particularly valuable resource for the parents and grandparents in attendance.

The training, led by Sam Murray and supported by her husband Ross who are co-owners of the local Mini First Aid franchise, covered a range of essential topics. Participants learned how to perform CPR on babies and children, a skill that could prove vital in an emergency.

There was also a focus on choking, which is a common concern for parents during the weaning process, with practical exercises on how to respond.

The session came two days after National Burns Awareness Day, and villagers were educated about the risks of burns, particularly from everyday accidents like tea and coffee spills.

Sam shared the concerning statistic that 30 children are admitted to serious burns units in the UK every day due to incidents involving hot drinks. She also highlighted the work of the Children's Burns Trust, who aim to reduce these numbers through awareness.

In addition to burns and choking, participants learned how to handle other serious emergencies including sepsis and meningitis, as well as learning how to deal with broken bones, head injuries, and febrile seizures.

Sam also offered expert advice on the contents of a well-stocked first aid kit and eased participants' concerns about using automated external defibrillators (AEDs)—an important tool in cardiac emergencies.

The training was made even more interactive as attendees practiced on manikins, giving them hands-on experience in applying first aid techniques.

To express their gratitude for Annemarie's efforts in organising the session, Sam presented her with a Mini First Aid Kit, a Hot/Cold pack, and a keyring CPR face shield.