Stuart Anderson MP was welcomed the launch of the Midlands Air Ambulance First Aid Training Service, which offers various courses designed to equip people working in the rural economy with lifesaving skills and boost their confidence in responding to emergency situations at work.
As someone who started his career as a farm hand in rural Herefordshire, Stuart has welcomed the introduction of these courses, which are delivered by experienced healthcare professionals and quality-assured by The First Aid Industry Body (FAIB) and accepted by HSE inspectors, the Department of Education, and OFSTED.
The launch event took place at High Grosvenor House in Bridgnorth, Shropshire on Friday 31st October, where guests included Stuart Anderson MP for South Shropshire, Shropshire’s High Sheriff, and the Mayor or Bridgnorth, alongside other community representatives.
The courses include 'First Farmer on the Scene', a practical course that equips agricultural workers with the skills and confidence to manage casualties at the point of injury. It also includes 'Emergency First Aid at Work', a course designed for people who want to receive training in emergency first aid.
In addition, tailored training courses are available for local companies or community groups. All courses are delivered by experienced healthcare professionals and quality assured by the First Aid Industry Body (FAIB) and accepted by HSE inspectors, the Department for Education, and Ofsted.
Stuart has welcomed the service as part of efforts to improve farm safety in South Shropshire. Farming sadly accounts for just one per cent of the working population but a quarter of all workplace deaths. According to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), 23 people lost their loves on farms in Great Britain last year.
Since the start of 2025, the charity has responded to 97 missions in rural locations, with many incidents being industrial-related injuries, often involving machinery. Even with these incidents happening in rural locations, the charity’s air crews are on scene within ten minutes on average.
Stuart Anderson MP said:
"I was delighted to attend the launch of Midlands Air Ambulance Rural First Aid Training Service. Farming plays a vital role in our local economy and ensuring those in rural areas are equipped with lifesaving skills is essential. While farming acocunts for just one per cent of the working population, it sadly accounts for a quarter of all workplace injuries.
As someone who started his career as a farm hand, I welcome the introduction of these high-quality courses, which are designed to equip agricultural workers and other working in the rural economy with the skills and confidence needed to respond to emergency situations. Initiatives like this make our communities safer, stronger and more resilient; hearing first-hand how lives have been saved thanks to urgent critical care showcases the need for these skill-sets. Working together, we can improve the safety of workers on our farms and other rural businesses."
Head of Education and Training at Midlands Air Ambulance Charity Emily Browne added:
“Our First Farmer on Scene course is designed to give candidates the skills and confidence to manage a casualty at the point of injury before the arrival of emergency teams. We’re incredibly proud to bring this initiative to life and strengthen safety in rural communities. During the event, attendees took part in CPR demonstrations, gained a deeper understanding of bleed control, met the lifesaving crew, and heard more about the charity’s vital mission to rapidly reach and treat those in critical need of advanced patient care."
Former patients from the rural community were also present and shared their experiences of how the charity’s intervention saved their lives. For more information on first aid courses with Midlands Air Ambulance Charity, visit: midlandsairambulance.com and follow the organisation on social media.
For more information or to book a course, contact Midlands Air Ambulance by phone 0800 8 40 20 40 or email [email protected].
