THE heroic and quick thinking actions of a first aider may not have saved the life a man who collapsed at a Cirencester bus stop, but it does again highlight the importance of such training.

Sadly, the man, who suffered a suspected heart attack, died after being taken to hospital, but with ambulance response times currently in crisis in the Cotswolds, surely everyone should learn the basics of first aid to provide initial treatment.

In this case the efforts were in vain but in future cases, the efforts of a complete stranger could save the life of someone you know.

Staff at the Standard recently undertook a one-day course which covers everything from CPR to treating broken arms. 

Hopefully, it is a set of skills that will never have to be used, but what would you do if you saw someone injured, suffering a cardiac arrest, or even a stroke? 

It would be nice to see the first aider who helped the man come forward, not just to receive the praise he deserves, but to highlight the fact he is probably just a normal person like you.