MORE than 100 schoolchildren were taught vital life-saving skills last week.

Firefighters from Cumnock shared crucial CPR skills with pupils from nearby Greenmill Primary.

Youngsters from P5, P6 and P7 got to grips with mannequins and practised chest compressions and breathing techniques.

Eager children were then treated to a tour of a fire engine to round off the event.

Station Manager Alan Coughtrie said: “I was inspired to see so many children eagerly learning these life-saving skills and techniques.

“Hopefully these pupils will never need to put the lessons learned into use but preparing them with the basics can make all the difference in the unlikely event of an emergency.”

Every year around 3,500 people suffer an out of hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) in Scotland — but only one in 20 survive.

Performing immediate CPR can keep oxygen circulating around the body until emergency services arrive.

These life-saving skills can be taught in just 30 minutes but they can be used for life.

Mr Coughtrie added: “Our firefighters are always ready to pass on these incredibly effective CPR skills to anyone who is interested.

“Members of the public are welcome to drop into a fire station and learn these techniques. Alternatively, firefighters can take the teaching kit to various community groups or even workplaces and pass on their expertise.”