This news release issued by South East Coast Ambulance Service NHS Trust

Leatherhead (26 February 2007) -- Teaching staff from Leatherhead schools will be better prepared to deal with even the smallest of medical emergencies, thanks to a first aid initiative funded by ExxonMobil and conducted by South East Coast Ambulance Service.

The ambulance service is providing training courses to teach 80 school staff the skills to deal with everything from burns and broken bones to anaphylactic shock, diabetes and epilepsy. All participating teachers are from ExxonMobil's Leatherhead Link Schools and, on completion of the course at the company's Leatherhead office, will be qualified as First Aid Appointed Persons.

ExxonMobil Community Affairs manager Denice Fennell explained: "Health and safety is a high priority for ExxonMobil throughout its operations, so we wanted to extend this training to help create a safer environment for the pupils and staff in our Link Schools."

Two courses have already taken place and, following his day being a pupil again, Andy Macfarlane, deputy head teacher at West Hill School, was full of praise for the programme: "All of us at West Hill School would like to thank ExxonMobil for funding a hugely worthwhile day." He added: “The trainers were extremely knowledgeable and approachable, which really helped everyone learn a great deal."

Ray Mitchell, External Training manager of the South East Coast Ambulance NHS Trust, commented: "We are delighted to be a part of this initiative. Training enables people to react quickly, which without doubt can save lives."

Notes to Editors

The ExxonMobil Link School programme supports some 40 schools around the country, in locations where the company has operating facilities or offices.

The Leatherhead first aid sessions follows a similar initiative conducted in Fife during 2006, where the company operates the Fife Ethylene Plant. ExxonMobil is looking to extend similar training to all Link Schools around its main operating locations.

South East Coast Ambulance Service NHS Trust incorporates the original Surrey, Sussex and Kent Ambulance Service Trusts.