Tara GreavesA Norwich mum has backed plans for free first aid courses as a new survey out today reveals a quarter of people would feel helpless in a medical emergency.Tara Greaves

A Norwich mum has backed plans for free first aid courses as a new survey out today reveals a quarter of people would feel helpless in a medical emergency.

The research, commissioned by the charity St John Ambulance, also finds that those people in the east of England who would attempt first aid are likely to administer the wrong procedure because they lack basic training.

Mick Coley, chief executive of St John Ambulance in Norfolk, said: 'It could actually be the difference between life and death. It is first aid, not secondary aid, it is what you can do with what you have in your pockets or in your bag before the emergency services arrive.'

And young Norwich mum Nikki says inviting a St John Ambulance first aid trainer to speak to her post natal group was one of the best things she ever did.

Three months after the course Nikki was at home with son Toby, seven months, along with a friend and her baby.

'We had put the babies down for a nap and my friend had made a cup of coffee and put it on the coffee table,' said Nikki.

'She didn't realise I had brought Toby back down because he wasn't settling and I didn't know the coffee was on the table. The next thing I turned around just as Toby reached out and pulled the coffee over himself.

'All I could remember was the trainer saying 'running water' so I ripped Toby's clothes off, ran to the sink and held him in the running water while my friend called the ambulance.'

Nikki held Toby in the water until the ambulance arrived eight minutes later and when the paramedics examined Toby, his arm was only slightly red. 'They said that my prompt action had prevented Toby's skin from blistering,' said Nikki.

'They didn't even need to take him to hospital. My GP dressed it and when we went back four days later there was no mark at all.

'I'm so glad I knew what to do and that I've prevented Toby from potentially being scarred for life.'

Results show that in the east of England:

More than half would not feel confident trying to save a life.

A quarter would do nothing and wait for an ambulance to arrive or hope that a passer-by knows first aid.

About a third would try first aid even though they are not sure what to do.

The charity is launching a campaign depicting five common scenarios in which first aid could have been the difference between a life lost and a life saved.

Mr Coley said: 'We are also offering a certificated course which would normally cost �35 for free to help give people the basic first aid skills they need.'

To get a free pocket guide, text LIFE to 85010 or visit the St John Ambulance website for more information on the campaign www.sja.org.uk.

The free Emergency Life Support course includes instruction on communication and casualty care, managing an incident and adult, child and infant resuscitation.

There are 16 places on each course which are run in two sessions at:

Dereham St John headquarters - April 21 and 28 - 7.30pm - 9.30pm .

Great Yarmouth Training Centre - May 10 and 17 - 7pm - 9pm.

Carbrooke House, Norwich - June 21 and 28 - 7pm - 9pm.

King's Lynn Training Centre - June 7 and 14 - 7pm - 9pm.

Cromer St John headquarters - June 7 and 14 - 7pm - 9pm.

Great Yarmouth training centre - June 15 - 22 - 7pm - 9pm.

For further details please call Norfolk St John county headquarters on 01603 431639 or email thedifference@norfolk.sja.org.uk