Brechin pupils are the first in Angus to learn lifesaving skills as part of innovative project
Brechin pupils have become the first in Angus to learn lifesaving skills as part of a ground-breaking initiative run by the Scottish Ambulance Service.
The service’s Young Minds Save Lives programme has now been expanded to Brechin High School, marking the first time it has been delivered in a rural community.
Uniquely co-designed with young people and using interactive games and escape room challenges, the programme supports S3 pupils to develop vital lifesaving skills and increased confidence in responding to medical emergencies.
It also focuses on primary prevention, equipping young people with the knowledge and strategies to avoid health issues before they occur.
More than 1800 pupils in Glasgow have already taken part since the programme launched.
Sessions cover topics such as healthcare support in local communities, the recovery position, recognising stroke symptoms, anxiety and stress, responding to chest pain and heart attacks, addressing drug and alcohol‑related harm, and providing street first aid such has how to help someone with severe bleeding from penetrating injuries.
And the programme has been found to have had a positive impact in the schools in which it was delivered.
An independent evaluation by the University of Glasgow on the pilot programme reported significant improvements in knowledge and confidence, including a 150% increase in understanding of the recovery position.
The study also found a 49% increase in confidence treating penetrating wounds, and a 30% rise in confidence responding to drug and alcohol-related emergencies.
Pupils also demonstrated improved CPR confidence and greater understanding of defibrillator use.
The programme also introduces young people to potential careers within the health service and offers early insight into volunteering opportunities, helping to inspire the next generation of Scotland’s healthcare workforce.
One of the pupils who took part said: “It has been a great experience learning about strokes, heart attacks and CPR. Meeting and working with the paramedics has been a lot of fun. We have learned loads. It has given us knowledge and taught us life lessons that we can use in the future.”
Michael Dickson, Scottish Ambulance Service chief executive, said the visit could be the first in a bid to extend the initiative across the county.
He said: “We are delighted to bring the programme to Brechin High School and, subject to funding, are keen to expand the programme to other high schools across Angus and Tayside.
“Delivering the programme in a more rural setting was motivated by the recognition that rural communities often face unique challenges in accessing emergency healthcare quickly.
“By equipping young people in Angus with essential lifesaving skills and confidence, we aim to help bridge gaps in immediate response, empowering them to support one another until professional help arrives and strengthening the overall resilience of rural areas.”
Jill Scott, Depute Provost and local Brechin and Edzell councillor, who attended a session, praised the programme’s engagement with the pupils.
She said: “It’s great to see the Young Minds Save Lives programme being delivered at Brechin High School, giving young people the chance to gain hands-on experience that could make a real difference in an emergency.
“What stands out is the engaging approach, using interactive technology to bring these important lessons to life and to make sure they stay with pupils. Beyond the immediate benefits, this helps to build a stronger, more prepared community.”