A decision by TV ‘dragon’ Sara Davies to invest in a business teaching families and young children about first aid has boosted interest in becoming a franchisee.

Kavita Butler, who purchased the Bournemouth Mini First Aid franchise in 2019, said that she had also dealt with many enquiries from local first aiders wanting to be part of the franchise following the TV programme.

“This is great for when I need additional trainers,” she added.

This surge in interest not only signifies a growing recognition of the importance of first aid education but also presents opportunities for expanding the network of trained professionals.

For instance, the Early Years and Childcare courses cater to the specific needs of those working with young children, offering tailored instruction on handling emergencies in childcare settings.

The Level 3 Paediatric First Aid Course they offer is fundamental to their programs, providing participants with advanced skills and knowledge essential for delivering effective emergency care to infants and children.

Mini First Aid offers a range of classes for all the family, as well as teaching children in schools from as young as three all the essentials in first aid.

A new ‘healthy minds’ class also teaches children about the importance of staying healthy mentally as well as physically,

The Leeds-based business was started seven years by Matt and Kate Ball on their kitchen table and has grown to 64 franchises across the UK.

The couple made it a family affair when they pitched for investment on TV’s Dragons’ Den, accompanied by four of their six young children.

The children demonstrated on each other how to perform abdominal thrusts, using the Actfast Anti Choking Vest, as taught in the Mini First Aid Kids class.

They also told the dragons –  Sara Davies, Theo Paphitis, Deborah Meaden, Touker Suleyman and Tej Lalvani – the number to call in an emergency and showed them how to put teddy in the recovery position.

The pitch secured a £50,000 investment from Sara Davies, Founder of Crafter’s Companion, a multinational company with a turnover of more than £34m annually.

The investment is aimed at developing the retail and marketing section of Mini First Aid.

Mother of two Kavita worked for Virgin Atlantic for just under 25 years, starting as a Flight Attendant and, latterly, part-time as a Flight Service Manager.

But she was a victim of Covid redundancies in 2020.

Kavita said: “This brought an end to my much loved flying career.

“I dealt with medical emergencies at 35,000ft and knew that the skills I had would always benefit me.

“I took a leap and bought the Bournemouth Mini First Aid Franchise in 2019 because I believe in the mission Mini First Aid has.

“Just as things were picking up with the franchise Covid hit and the world changed as we know it.

“Mini First Aid is all about face to face and practical exercises and learning through fun and interaction.

“However, we quickly adapted and created our online class during the pandemic and continued to keep our followers updated, especially all the frightened expectant parents and carers.”

Sara Davies of Dragons’ Den.

Kavita’s Bournemouth Mini First Aid franchise also covers Christchurch, Poole, Swanage and Wareham as well as Brockenhurst, Fordingbridge, Lymington and Ringwood.

Mini First Aid recently partnered with Savlon for a nationwide competition for schools where 60 pupils could be part of the Little First Aider Academy.

Kavita said: “Two of my local franchise schools were lucky enough to win – Burley Primary and Pennington Infant.

“Pennington Infants will receive our Early Year Class for all 90 children, as we have agreed that all the children will benefit from this amazing life skill.

“I am currently also teaching the wonderful children at Mudeford Infants School.”

Kate and Matt Ball said the whole Dragons’ Den experience had been “incredible.”

Kate added: “Family is right at the heart of everything we do at Mini First Aid, so it felt completely right for the children to be involved.

“Bringing our youngest set of twins was just too tricky though.

“Sara and I have some really exciting ideas, so watch this space!”

• bournemouth.minifirstaid.co.uk