THE Scottish government has been urged to follow ministers in England by introducing lifesaving CPR in all schools.

UK Education secretary Damian Hinds has announced that the resuscitation technique will be put on the curriculum in England teaching pupils how they can save a life.

The Evening Times has been campaigning for CPR to be taught in all Scottish secondary schools, backed by the British Heart Foundation Scotland.

So far Glasgow City Council has committed along with 15 others but a commitment from Holyrood would see pupils in every school benefit.

South of the border the announcement means pupils will be taught how to carry out CPR, how defibrillators work as well as basic first aid.

Mr Hinds said other countries teach CPR and he wants children to be able to help others.

He said: “On arriving at university I was struck that the American students I met knew how to do CPR - and I didn’t have a clue. As a father I want my children to have the knowledge and skills they need to keep themselves safe and help others, and as Education Secretary I want that for every child.”

The British Heart Foundation wants Scottish Education Secretary John Swinney to make a similar announcement.

David McColgan, Policy manager said: “David McColgan, Senior Policy and Public Affairs Manager, BHF Scotland said: “The announcement that CPR is to made mandatory on the curriculum in England is a very positive step.

“We know that survival rates from out of hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) across the UK are lower than those nations who have made CPR mandatory on the curriculum and the story is even worse in Scotland. With 1 in 10 surviving an OHCA in the UK but only 1 in 12 surviving an OHCA in Scotland.”

Mr Swinney is reported stating that councils and schools have the power to introduce SPR if they wish but The BHF want him to make it compulsory.

Mr McColgan, added: “The Scottish Government have shown they can nationally mandate CPR training on the school curriculum following their work on teaching of LGBTI rights in Scottish schools. Their bold action in supporting the TIE campaign was warmly welcomed and we know a similar move to make CPR training mandatory would be to.”