A total of 1,600 schools from around the country are taking part.

Education Secretary Gavin Williamson said the new health curriculum would give every child "the chance to learn life-saving skills".

The British Red Cross said up to 59% of deaths by injury could be prevented in the UK if first aid was given prior to the arrival of medical services.

Primary school children will be taught basic skills such as how to call emergency services, while secondary school children will learn life-saving skills such as how to help someone who is suffering a cardiac arrest.

The British Heart Foundation said the lessons could help improve the UK's "shockingly low survival rates from cardiac arrests".

Survival rates in countries that teach first aid in school are up to three times higher, it added.

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