Back to School - Back to Safety

29/08/2025 13:11 - By Emma

Why CPR Belongs in Every Classroom

The start of a new school year is always full of fresh timetables, shiny new uniforms, and the usual whirlwind of activity. But alongside maths, science and English, there is another subject that could be the most important lesson a young person ever learns: CPR and first aid.

CPR in the Curriculum

In recent years, the British Heart Foundation has successfully campaigned to make CPR and first aid a mandatory part of the PSHE curriculum in UK secondary schools. It’s a huge step forward but why was it needed?

  • 43% of UK adults (around 23 million people) have never been trained in CPR.
  • 80% of out-of-hospital cardiac arrests happen at home.
  • Sadly, survival rates remain at less than 1 in 10.

By giving students the opportunity to learn these skills at school, we are equipping the next generation with the confidence to act not just in the classroom, but in their homes and communities too.

Why Hands-On Training Matters

Having CPR on the school timetable is fantastic progress. But here’s the truth, confidence comes from doing, not just watching.

It’s one thing to see chest compressions demonstrated on a screen, and quite another to practise them yourself. That moment of hands-on experience, pressing on a manikin, learning the rhythm, using a defibrillator, is where real confidence begins.

At FabTraining, we make sessions practical, interactive and engaging. Our trainers aren’t just teachers, they are experienced front line technicians and first aid specialists who bring real world know how into the classroom. That means every lesson is grounded in reality, not just theory.

Skills That Spread Beyond the School Gates

When a young person learns CPR or first aid, they don’t keep that knowledge to themselves. They take it home, they share it with friends, and  they carry it into their community.

Imagine a teenager who’s learned CPR stepping up when a grandparent collapses, or a pupil calmly responding to a choking sibling. By teaching first aid in schools, we’re not just helping the students we’re creating safer families and stronger communities.

How FabTraining Supports Schools

We are passionate about making first aid accessible to everyone. Through our Mini Medics sessions for younger children and our tailored school foundation first-aider workshops, we help bring the curriculum to life in a way that’s fun, memorable and confidence-building.

Whether it’s a full CPR lesson, a refresher for older students, or interactive workshops for primary pupils, we adapt sessions to suit the age group and the school’s needs. Because we believe every child deserves the skills to save a life.

Let’s Make This Term Life-Changing

This September, let’s go beyond lesson plans and exam prep. Let’s make sure our schools are preparing students not just for the world of work but for the unexpected emergencies that could happen at any time.

👉 Schools: Get in touch with FabTraining to arrange first aid and CPR sessions that really make an impact.

👉 Parents and Guardians: Nominate your child’s school to take part and help create a generation that’s ready to save lives.

Because while not every student will use algebra in adult life, the ability to save a life is a skill that matters to us all.