Primary wins National Schools' First Aid Competition

Thursday 29 October 2015

A team from St Lawrence primary school have been proving they know better than other youngsters what to do in an emergency.

They are this year's winners of the junior category of the St John Ambulance National Schools' First Aid Competition - the first time a Jersey primary school has won the major competition.

The final held at Skillzone in Gloucester saw teams of pupils from across the country battle it out and showcasing their team work, communication and first aid skills in challenging emergency scenarios with "live" casualties. They had to prove they knew how to deal with a choking casualty and someone who had fractured their wrist.

Caitlin Hedgecock and Claire Le Fondre who are both 11 and Cerys Banks, Esther Wilderspin and Olivia Woodward who are all 10 made it through to the final after competing in the regional heats back in April. Esther and Claire also won the Junior Pair competition.

St Lawrence school teacher Mrs McDonald said: “The St John Ambulance competition and our schools resource is a great way for us to empower young people with lifesaving skills as well as improve self-esteem, and enhance other life skills. We hope that more schools will be encouraged to teach first aid and take part in the competition next year so their students can be the difference in an emergency.”

St John Ambulance is the nation's leading first aid charity with over 40,000 volunteers committed to training, caring and saving lives. They are one of the country's leading youth organisations with more than half of their members under 25.