St John Ambulance held a workshop at the Skelton Asda store to teach local people about the use of defibrillators and where to find them.
The partnership comes after Asda made the decision to store a defibrillator in all stores in the UK. Although this is potentially life-saving information technology, some people would feel nervous using it in an emergency, so Asda paired with the first aid charity to show shoppers in Skelton how simple they are to use.
The workshop, which took place at the store on Pheasant Fields Lane, Skelton, invited shoppers to learn about defibrillators with the use of a First Aid manikin and try out the more practical skills of CPR. Friendly and knowledgeable volunteers from St John Ambulance were also on hand with plenty of advice and information on the importance of first aid.
Michelle Robinson, Schools & Community Trainer at St John Ambulance, said: “There is a real possibility that this workshop could save someone’s life, and that’s a good afternoon’s work as far as I’m concerned. The customers were attentive and interested, and we know from experience that sessions like this give people the confidence to act and save a life, which they might not have otherwise.
“It’s wonderful that a company as large as Asda is taking the time to get involved and educate local shoppers on important issues like this.”
For more information about St John Ambulance and the work they do, visit www.sja.org.uk.
Rob Cecere, General Manager of Asda Skelton, said: “We are so proud to be able to work with St John Ambulance in this way. The work they do is about as important as can be, and awareness is a huge part of that.
“All of us at Asda learnt a lot from this experience and, if the workshop has helped to inform our shoppers, we have been successful.”
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PR contact: asdapressoffice@havas.com or 0161 234 9767
Notes to editors:
About Asda Stores Ltd.
Founded in the 1960s in Yorkshire, Asda is one of Britain’s leading retailers and helps customers save money and live better in stores, online and through their mobile devices.
Each week more than 18 million customers visit its 645 stores – including 30 Supercentres, 392 Superstores, 155 Supermarkets, 33 Asda Living stores, and 35 standalone petrol stations – and websites, and are served by 153,000 colleagues. www.asda.com and www.george.com deliver to 99% of the UK’s homes and to its 538 click and collect sites across the UK.
Its main office is in Leeds, Yorkshire and its George clothing division is in Lutterworth, Leicestershire. Asda joined Walmart, the world’s number one retailer, in 1999.
St John Ambulance
St John Ambulance is the charity that steps forward in the moments that matter to save lives and support communities. Its highly trained volunteers keep people safe at events nationwide, springing into action to help with medical incidents and emergencies.
The organisation also helps the NHS by responding to some 999 calls, as well as transporting patients safely and every year around 500,000 people, including children and young people, learn how to save a life through its first aid training.
St John Ambulance has saved lives and relieved suffering for over 140 years, and – with the support of the public – will do so for decades to come.