IN the moments after the terror attacks on Manchester Arena and London Bridge, Good Samaritans of all shapes and sizes rushed to the aid of the victims.

Their stories provided rays of hope that outshone the terror others wanted to inflict.

Now, St John Ambulance is encouraging the public to arm themselves with first aid skills.

The charity has seen how how vital it is that the public know how to help injured people and save lives, creating a step-by-step guide of expert advice.

It is advice which could come in handy, not just in extreme situations, but also when the day-to-day takes a turn for the worse.

Regional training manager, Graham Ellis, said: "First aid in general is important. When anything happens, the emergency services are eight minutes away. Intervention from members of the public will help save lives.

"St John attend a lot of events to deliver first aid. We are often at the Macron Stadium. We are there in the background providing support and there in case something goes untoward, but ultimately if people know first aid then there will always be a fist aider around.

"Carrying out some first aid is better than doing no first aid, you have an opportunity to help and improve a person's chances."

There are examples when knowing even some basic first aid can prove life-saving.

In July, 2015 while shopping in the Asda store in the Middlebrook, Jason Rutter, a St John Ambulance volunteer from Walkden, stepped in to save the life of 18-month-old Lawson Smith, who was choking on a mint.

Mum Katie Blood described how her son's face went red and swollen, with blue lips, but she could not dislodge the sweet blocking his throat.

Jason came to the rescue and used back slaps until the sweet was dislodged. The tot made a quick recovery.

Speaking at a reunion of Jason and Lawson, Katie said: "I went into a panic and froze. I couldn’t really do anything. He just said 'your little boy will be fine' and walked away. I remember saying 'thank you so much'.

"Doctors told me if he hadn’t stepped in, it would have been a very different outcome and more than likely Lawson wouldn’t be here."

Jason added: "It was only afterwards I realised it could have gone a lot differently.

"Without the training I've had, I don’t think I would have been as confident. I think it’s important for everyone to know basic first aid."

Jason's quick thinking might seem a mile away from what the average person on the street could do, but St John is made up of normal people who are volunteers and believe it is possible for anyone to make a difference.

Fear of doing the wrong thing or not remembering every detail of advice should not put you off either, adds Graham, who is a volunteer of nine years.

He said: "When you learn first aid you learn it for life.

"There are no cases I know of at all where someone has been taken to court because they tried to save someone's life. The Good Samaritan laws were introduced to protect people who act in a reasonable way while trying to do the right thing."

The approach to helping is remembered as DR ABC: Danger, Response, Airway, Breathing and Circulation.

St John advise that if you find yourself in an emergency situation, try to stay calm and do what you can until emergency help arrives.

Before stepping in, assess the situation to make sure it is safe to approach and are not putting yourself in danger.

Stay calm and think clearly and remember to comfort and reassure the casualty.

When going into an emergency situation prioritise the most life threatening conditions - unresponsive casualties are at greatest risk - try to treat any casualties where you find them, ask bystanders to help if they can, and call 999 or 112 for emergency help.

Advice has also been provided on different types of casualties.

Severe bleeding:

1. Apply direct pressure to the wound

2. Call 999/112 for emergency help

3. Secure dressing with a bandage to maintain pressure

4. Treat for shock

5. Support the injury

If someone is unresponsive and not breathing normally:

1. Call 999/112 for emergency help. Do not leave them. Use a defibrillator if available

2. Give 30 chest compressions at a rate of 100-120 per minute

3. Give two rescue breaths. If unable, or unwilling, just give chest compressions

4. Repeat. Continue to give 30 compressions and two breaths until help arrives

How to put someone in the recovery position:

1. Place their nearest arm at a right angle to their body with the elbow bent

2. Place the back of their far hand against their cheek

3. Pull the far knee up until their foot is flat

4. Pull on the bent leg to roll them towards you

5. Tilt their head back to open airway

6. Call 999/112 for emergency help. Monitor their level of response

How to treat someone who is in shock:

1. Lie them down with their legs raised and supported

2. Call 999/112 for emergency help

3. Loosen any tight clothing

4. Keep them comfortable and warm

5. Monitor their level of response. If they become unresponsive prepare to give CPR

The advice has been published online, with demonstration videos, and can also be viewed via an app on smartphones and tablets.

To find out more visit www.sja.org.uk/emergencyfirstaid.