Coronation Street's Cherylee Houston in first aid campaign to save lives

CORONATION Street star Cherylee Houston wants to inspire Brits to learn first aid skills to save people's lives.

The actress – who plays Izzy Armstrong in the ITV soap – has spoken out after learning that 60 per cent of deaths caused by accidents or injuries could be prevented if people had basic first aid training.

Cherylee uses a wheelchair because she has a rare genetic condition called Ehlers-Danlos syndrome.

She made her plea as part of World First Aid Day after trying to find a first aid course for herself and failing.

She told The Sun Online: "It's just shocking. We've all been in that situation where someone needs help and no-one knows what to do.

“The statistics show how many lives could be saved if we all had a basic knowledge of first aid.

"The Red Cross says that 60 per cent of deaths caused by accident or injuries could be prevented if people knew what to do before an ambulance arrives.

"I've started a course that teaches you the basics and I can do it in my own time.

"I'm doing 12 hour days at the moment so I need to do it around work."

She added: "It doesn't take long to do and anyone can do it. I really think it should be taught in schools.

"It's a life skill that everyone should know."

First Aid Five covers the five most common medical emergencies – Chest Pains, Strokes, Bleeding, Burns and Choking – it uses the best medical practice and advice to give users unable to attend physical courses, vital life-saving skills.

Source: Read Full Article