A woman who received 11 stitches in a head wound after a fall at Witham railway station has hit out at the lack of staff trained in first aid.

Treated - Christine Monks has criticised the lack of first aid training among staff at Witham railway station. Picture: NICK OBANK 41064-2

Christine Monks, 58, of Honeysuckle Way, Witham, was walking along platform one to catch a Chelmsford-bound train for work when she tripped, fell over and was left with blood streaming from a head wound.

Staff phoned for an ambulance and Mrs Monks was taken to Broomfield Hospital, Chelmsford, for treatment.

Mrs Monks said although she was happy with the attitude of the staff, she was concerned about the lack of training provided.

She said: "I don't have any complaints about the care I received from staff at the station, who were brilliant. But they only had tissues and a blanket and staff seemed to lack training.

"Businesses are required to have trained first aiders so why not stations as well?"

A spokesman for One said: "Although the staff acted correctly and looked after this passenger very well, unfortunately there was no trained first-aider on duty at the time.

"Although it is a legal requirement to have first aid kits at stations, it is not a legal requirement to have trained first-aiders.

"However, we are currently in the process of booking more staff on to first aid training courses to ensure that they are properly equipped."

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Published Tuesday, February 22, 2005

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