COUNCILLORS in Flintshire have unanimously backed calls for emergency lifesaving skills to become compulsory in schools across Wales.

The Welsh Government currently leaves it up to individual schools to decide whether to deliver first aid training for children.

However, Gwerynymynydd councillor Kevin Hughes wants the Cardiff administration to follow in England’s footsteps, where teaching youngsters to provide medical assistance will become mandatory from September next year.

Speaking on Tuesday, he said: “We have hundreds of defibrillator machines across Flintshire right now.

“While it’s a great photo opportunity for community and county councillors when they’re installed, what we really need is people trained and confident in how to use them.

“If all learners attending Flintshire schools are trained in their use then how many lives could potentially be saved?

“We need to call upon the Welsh Government to include first aid training, including the use of defibrillators, within the new curriculum and provide schools with the funds to deliver that training.”

The appeal for the government to reconsider the move received the backing across the chamber at County Hall.

Labour council leader Ian Roberts said: “This is a very important issue and I would urge members to support and accept this notice of motion and agree that a letter should be sent to Welsh Government.

“From my experience in school, children love doing this sort of thing and I think it’s something that would be very much welcomed.”

He added it would be up to ministers in Cardiff to decide whether first aid training is included in the national curriculum.