St John Ambulance is urging people to learn first aid skills that could save lives this month.
As part of its Save a Life September campaign, the charity aims to equip at least 500,000 people with vital first aid knowledge through public demonstrations, online videos and publishing practical advice.
The campaign highlights the vital lifesaving skills needed in emergencies such as choking, cardiac arrest and severe bleeding.
In the case of choking, the charity advises giving up to five back blows, followed by up to five abdominal thrusts if the airway remains blocked.
If these do not work, people should alternate between the two methods and call 999 if the blockage does not clear.
The person may become unresponsive and require CPR.
If someone suffers a cardiac arrest, the charity stresses the importance of calling 999 and starting chest compressions immediately.
Hands should be placed in the centre of the chest, pushing down hard and fast, and allowing the chest to rise fully between compressions.
If trained, give two rescue breaths after every 30 compressions.
The call handler will tell you what to do and tell anyone with you to fetch a nearby available defibrillator.
Once it arrives, turn it on and follow the instructions, ensuring chest compressions continue without interruption.
For severe bleeding, the priority is to stop the flow of blood.
Raise and cover the wound with a clean cloth or sterile dressing and apply direct pressure.
If there is an object embedded in the wound, do not remove it; instead, apply pressure on either side.
If the injury is very severe, the call handler may advise on how to improvise a tourniquet.
For more information on any of the topics discussed here, or to find online and face to face training opportunities, visit sja.org.uk/save-a-life-september/.
