POTENTIAL lifesavers are hoping to smash a world record for the largest first aid class and raise thousands for a new ambulance.

Volunteers from St John Ambulance are aiming to teach 1,000 people lifesaving skills, in just half an hour.

Participants will pack into one of the stands at Oxford United’s Kassam Stadium for the record attempt, learning how to stop people bleeding and choking and what to do if they find someone unconscious or not breathing.

The current record of 917 is held by a group in Spain.

Becky Trotman, regional public relations and fundraising officer for St John Ambulance, said: “Something really simple can be the difference between someone losing their life and saving it.

“If a child puts a coin in their mouth, a slap on the back can save their life, otherwise they could potentially die.

“Statistics show 150,000 people die in incidents where first aid could have saved them.”

St John Ambulance volunteer of 30 years Bill Nolan said: “The smallest amount of information that goes in can last a lifetime and save a life.”

Anyone aged over seven can get involved at the event at 12.45pm on March 19, which is being supported by U’s chairman Kelvin Thomas.

BBC Oxford presenter Malcolm Boyden will be taking part in the event.

People who take part will be offered cut-price tickets to the Oxford United v Crewe game taking place after the event.

Ms Trotman hopes participants will dig deep to support the charity’s campaign to raise £60,000 for a new 4x4 ambulance.

To register for the event, see sja.org.uk/oxfordshire or email birthday@oxfordshire.sja.org.uk