From 22nd to 28th August, one of our cadets attended the North Region Gold First Aid Course at Holcombe Moor Training Camp. The intensive week developed their first aid knowledge while also preparing them to teach, assess and support other cadets.
During the course, they learnt how to create realistic casualty simulation, known as CASSIM, using a variety of methods. These techniques help to make first aid exercises and competitions more realistic, allowing participants to practise responding to challenging incidents in a safe and controlled environment.
Working as part of a syndicate, the cadet helped to plan a first aid competition before delivering it to a group of Youth First Aid cadets. The planning, organisation and delivery of the competition formed part of the course assessment and required effective teamwork, communication and leadership.
The week also included the completion of CPR and AED training and the Activity First Aid course, resulting in the award of a Silver First Aid qualification. The cadet then completed the Activity First Aid Assessor course, learning how to assess both cadets and adult volunteers undertaking the qualification.
Teaching and assessment formed a major part of the programme. The cadet planned and delivered assessed lessons to Youth First Aid cadets before being observed while assessing candidates undertaking the three practical assessments within their skills test. These activities provided valuable experience in lesson preparation, instruction, observation, feedback and fair assessment.
Participants also learnt about continuing professional development and the importance of maintaining current knowledge and practical competence. Throughout the course, they completed written reflections covering the week’s principal activities and assessed areas, helping them to recognise their progress and identify opportunities for further development.
Alongside the formal training, the group visited a Greater Manchester fire station and received a tour of a North West Ambulance Service ambulance from Sqn Ldr Lord, who is also a Senior Paramedic. These visits gave the cadets an excellent insight into the work of the emergency services and the equipment used when responding to real incidents.
Following the successful completion of the course, the cadet is now qualified as a Cadet First Aid Instructor and is looking forward to delivering and assessing future courses at Calday CCF and across Merseyside Wing.
Reflecting on the experience, the cadet said:
“I am incredibly grateful to have had the opportunity to attend the Gold First Aid Course and become a Cadet First Aid Instructor. I learnt so much during the week about first aid and how to deliver and assess it, and I can’t wait to deliver and assess courses at Calday CCF and across Merseyside Wing.
“First aid is such a crucial life skill, and I’m really glad that I can help pass this knowledge on to other cadets and hopefully help to save lives. Thank you to all the cadets and staff on the course for making it one of the highlights of my cadet career.”
This was a demanding but extremely rewarding week, resulting in valuable qualifications, greater confidence and skills that will directly benefit other cadets. Congratulations on an outstanding achievement.
