BREATHING deeply, the Launceston Voluntary First Aid service held a ‘lifesaving day’ to help inform the public of what to do in the event of a medical emergency.

Unfortunately, due to poor weather caused by Storm Imogen, only a few people were able to attend.

However, those who made it along to the Kensey Vale Bowling Club for the lifesaving day were taught some invaluable skills by the trained members of the Launceston Voluntary First Aid service.

With help from the first aiders, those attending where shown how to implement basic first aid and the correct procedures for certain types of emergencies.

For example they looked at the patient, a volunteer, and established whether that person was conscious or unconscious.

Once a patient had been declared conscious or unconscious the ‘first aider’ would then evaluate whether they were breathing by checking the airways and take the correct action and implement the first aid required according to the situation.

Chairperson of the Launceston Voluntary First Aid Service Barry Gibson said: “The event was designed to provide people with a basic knowledge of what to do should someone require medical attention, but it was also a good way for us to push towards recruitment for our group.

“We cover everything in Launceston and have worked in the past with the town council to offer our services at some of their events.

“We are a fully voluntary group and getting new members can sometimes prove difficult. Hopefully, thanks to the event, we have made three new members from the day and they will join our trained first aid team to provide support in the future.”