BUSINESSES in Worcestershire and Herefordshire trained around 198 people a month in first aid during 2014.

St John Ambulance trained 2,384 people in across the two counties last year, an increase of just over ten per cent on the 2013 figure of 2161.

John Cavanagh, director of Workplace Training from the charity, said: “We are pleased that these figures have shown a rise and that businesses are committed to the quality training that St John Ambulance provides. We know from experience that many people who, sometimes unwillingly, go on a first aid course for their workplace, end up using their skills in the homes and communities to save lives.

“We would of course like to see even more businesses stepping forward and training their staff this year. First aid emergencies can happen at any time.”

To find out more about workplace training, visit www.sja.org.uk/training.