CARLISLE mum Alison Rayson has dealt with her share of medical emergencies both at home and at work.

Now she is sharing her first aid knowledge to give both parents and children the confidence they need to act in an emergency – and hopefully save lives.

Alison lives in Houghton with seven-year-old son Miles.

She also works part-time for an airline as a cabin crew member, serving aboard long-haul flights.

Now the 43-year-old ‘mumpreneur’ is about to launch a new type of first aid course across the local area.

Mini First Aid Carlisle & Dumfries is part of a national franchise that offers classes to both adults and children.

Her first classes will take place across Carlisle and Penrith from Saturday, January 14 before rolling out across the area.

Alison explained why she wanted to get involved.

“I think having a little boy, I soon realised all the scrapes they get into and accidents they have,” she said.

“I also have 21 years’ experience of flying. I’ve dealt with many medical situations over those years.

“I’ve always been really interested in first aid generally but I think living in a rural area it’s particularly important that we have the skills and are confident using those skills.

“If you phone an ambulance in Cumbria they have an eight-minute target time to get there. You can die from choking in four minutes. That’s quite scary when you think about it. I want to pass on some of my knowledge so that people can prevent that from happening.”

Alison said the course covers choking, CPR, burns, bleeding, shock, febrile seizures, meningitis, bumps and bruises – all of the things most parents dread happening to their little one.

She said the main course is aimed at parents, grandparents, carers and babysitters. She also plans to go into schools and youth groups to arm children of all ages with the skills they need in a fun way, as well as offering private sessions for friends and workplaces.

“A lot of people don’t realise that what you do at the beginning of a medical emergency can make a big difference.

“That’s why this is so important,” added Alison.

Mini First Aid has also just launched a book called The Mini Adventures of Freddie – a simple and colourful storybook to be read by parents at home and used by trainers in nurseries and pre-school settings.

It asks children key questions, such as where they live and what number they dial in an emergency, so they can act if a parent, carer or they themselves have an accident.

Alison said her two-hour baby and toddler first aid classes are informal but informative, costing £20 per person.

Those confirmed to date are taking place at Harraby Community Centre on January 14, Stanwix Community Centre on January 19 and Penrith Leisure Centre on January 28. To find out more visit www.minifirstaid.co.uk.