A group of young people recently took part in a first aid training evening in Niton run by South Wight Area Youth Partnership (SWAY).
The training covered key topics of first aid for young people ranging from 12 -18 years and gave them the skills and confidence to help when needed.
It was a great success with 15 young people and volunteers attending a 2-hour session learning how to do CPR, what to do when someone is choking and how to bandage any wound. The training included instructions on how to use a defibrillator. This is invaluable as one has recently been located at Norris Stores in Niton.
The training replaced the regular youth evening that SWAY runs in Niton. Julie Cox, who ran the session, taught the young people the skills to give crucial help for a range of scenarios and made it great fun and something they really enjoyed.
Andy Dorning, the Lead Youth Worker for SWAY said:
“It was great to see so many young people sign up to take part and learn these life-saving skills that they can take into the community and as they volunteer with SWAY”
SWAY runs youth activities and supports young people and families across the South Wight. The youth groups meet in the villages with other activities and events arranged across the island and on the mainland. Some young people meet the youth workers for 1-1 mentoring and families are supported through a range of services.
Julie Cox went onto re-train the staff and volunteers of SWAY in indoor and out of doors first aid over 2 days the following week to ensure that all were up to date with these skills in any situation.
I think basic first aid should be taught in primary schools & fuller course in secondary. Accidents happen everywhere. If kids know basics, they don’t panic.
We teach our grandkids at 4 how to use my epipens just in case I get stung when they’re with me. We do random tests with out of date pens on oranges. Never tell them it’s going to happen, just put orange on the table & they know exactly where to get them & what to do. Could be a life saver one day. With so many kids with severe allergies, this is a good thing to know.