Did you know, on average, a child dies in the UK every month from choking, and hundreds more require hospital treatment.[1] Would your children know how to help?
InXpress Top Gun Gatwick franchisee, Matt Strutt, has always been an avid supporter of our Gives Back initiative, especially when it comes to supporting the next generation. Having started his InXpress franchise three years ago, Matt was looking for the right charity to align with his values, and quickly found it in Little LifeSavers. But what makes this charity so special?
A recent story involving 11-year-old Luca demonstrates just how impactful Little LifeSavers’ work is. Each year, nearly 30,000 under 15-year-olds go to A&E from choking, and First Aid is not a current requirement of the National Curriculum.[2] Fortunately, the local scout group Luca belongs to delivered a Little LifeSavers training session on how to spot the signs of choking, and administer life-saving techniques if the group come across an incident. Luckily for Luca’s school-friend, Joe, Luca knew just what to do in this situation and delivered four to five back slaps. When this didn’t work, Luca attempted the Heimlich manoeuvre which saved Joe’s life!
Matt Strutt first learned about Little LifeSavers through Dr. Barbara Stanley’s presentation at a local business event. Feeling inspired, Matt felt it was his duty to contribute. “As a father of four and a former lifeguard, I understand the value of teaching essential life-saving skills to children,” Matt says. He was drawn to the idea that InXpress Gatwick could support Little LifeSavers in its goal to reach every school in the UK.
As of today, 28,329 Little LifeSavers have been created and understand the basics of life support, such as CPR, the recovery position, and emergency procedures. Dr. Stanley, the founder of the charity, explains that many emergencies happen when children are alone without adults, and equipping them with these skills can turn a bystander into a life-saver.
In response to Matt’s passion for the cause, InXpress Gives Back arranged for the third annual donation to Little LifeSavers and began raising awareness of the charity’s work within its network. Glenn Willis, head of the InXpress Gives Back committee, supported Matt’s efforts, encouraging InXpress franchisees across the UK to spread awareness in their own communities.
If you want to make an impact, consider supporting Little LifeSavers. To learn more or get involved, visit www.littlelifesavers.org.
[1] https://www.rospa.com/resources/hubs/keeping-kids-safe/choking#:~:text=On%20average%2C%20a%20child%20dies,doesn't%20have%20to%20happen.
[2] https://littlelifesavers.org/home/meet-our-little-lifesavers/