Using the knowledge and techniques taught to them through the programme, Rory Mangan, Aiden-Lee Holbrook, Rebecca Wilson and Mazey Kemish, intervened to treat people needing medical attention.
They were presented with their National Fire Chiefs Council Chairs Awards during their respective pass-out parades at the different cadet units across Hampshire and Isle of Wight, whilst Rory was presented with his at a ceremony at our headquarters ahead of his passout parade in December.
Rory was walking home from school when he spotted an older man laid out on the floor shaking and bleeding. Taking control of the situation when other passers-by didn’t know what to do, Rory used his fire cadets first-aid skills and made someone call 999, as he obtained medical information from the casualty ready for the paramedics once they’d arrived.
Sandown fire cadet Aiden-Lee provided first-aid and called 999 after discovering a lady collapsed in the road. His parents commented that the cadets programme had equipped Aiden with the knowledge and confidence to deal with these situations.
Rushmoor’s Rebecca transferred her fire cadet training into real world action by demonstrating extraordinary courage, composure, and clinical skill during a medical emergency at her school. When a classmate suffered an open ankle fracture, Rebecca applied her first-aid training to stabilise the injury, prioritise the casualty’s safety, and calmly reassure the individual. Paramedics praised her critical intervention, whilst the 16-year-old has also prompted her school to commission refresher first-aid training.
In her parents’ car on the way home from school, 14-year-old Mazey leapt into action after a boy in a scooter emerged suddenly from between two parked cars causing a collision. Remaining calm, Mazey was able to use her cadets’ skills to check the area for safety, keep the boy still because of the high risk of spinal injury and suspected fractured pelvis, and carefully provided pressure to his leg, which was cut and bleeding.
The actions of the four youngsters show the benefits the Fire Cadets programme has, not just on the cadets themselves, but also the actions they take to make their community and its people safer.
HIWFRS Fire Cadets Manager, Clair Hayward, said:
“We couldn’t be prouder of the actions taken by Rory, Aiden-Lee, Rebecca and Mazey, who are fully deserving of their awards.
“Their intervention when coming across a medical emergency, demonstrates the difference the programme can make to a young person, and how their training can benefit their communities.”
The end of term for the cadets saw all units hold pass-out parades to celebrate the achievements of all those involved, including the instructors. The Cadets were presented with their certificates and showcased their skills in front of friends and family.
Rushmoor cadets were presented with their certificates on Wednesday 2nd July, before their Ringwood counterparts did the same two days later.
On Monday 7th July it was the turn of the Sandown cadets over on the Isle of Wight, with the Southsea unit celebrated later that week on the 10th.
Clair Hayward continued:
“It is great to celebrate the achievements of all our Fire Cadets as we reach the end of term for the programme. The progress and development we have seen in those on the course, across all the units is phenomenal.
“The Fire Cadet programme is a brilliant opportunity for any 13-17 year old across Hampshire and Isle of Wight, helping them to gain essential social, life, work and wellbeing skills, and develop their confidence and personal skills.”
If you know any 13–17-year-olds who might be interested in joining us you can find out more here.
With thanks to Community Interest Company 3S Fire for their continued support of the HIWFRS Fire Cadets.
