Could you save a life? Everyone should master simple first aid skills

Learners from Zoar School in Kisumu learn first aid skills at an event organised by St John's Ambulance. [File, Standard]

Watching someone choke, faint or bleed badly and feeling helpless is one of the worst experiences. In moments where panic takes over and seconds count, it's basic first aid, not fancy equipment, that can make the difference between life and death.

Whether you're caught in a crowd, hanging out with friends or simply walking down the street, medical emergencies don't send a warning. More often than not, help doesn't arrive fast enough and it's the people nearby who make all the difference. Sometimes, that person is you.