With 'Marham First Response' actively promoting the importance of 'First
Aid' within the community, the team was approached and asked to assist
in a school training programme 'Skill Force'.
Skill Force is a uniquely successful scheme, which enhances the life
chances of young people. The Ministry of Defence initiative works
closely with the Department for Education and using former Service
Personnel and others it delivers a range of motivational and
inspirational activities to young people throughout schools in the UK.
The Skill Force programme is designed to deliver a wide range of
activities, and is targeted mainly at 14 - 16 year olds. The numerous
activities are built around developing teamwork & problem solving and
raising self-esteem in all its participants.
So where did 'First Response' fall in to this, well as part of the
training programme the Skill Force team teach a basic session on First
aid covering a wide variety of skills and treatment that could be given
to anyone suffering from Shock, Bleeding, minor breaks, and Basic Life
Support including Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR).
First Response was asked to attend and give an overview of a 'Voluntary
Emergency Service' operating within the community, and covering the
importance of First Aid trained persons in both the home environment,
workplace and as a passer-by in the street. The session involved a
display and demonstration of Equipment carried by the First Response
Team, The methods used when dealing with life threatening injuries, and
how effective basic First Aid can be to a wide spectrum of injuries.
The session also provided the pupils with the opportunity to try their
skills using Resuscitation Mannequins giving them plenty of hands on
training.
During the week Cpl Justin Smith & Sgt Pete Webb visited 3 schools in
the area, Watton High School, Hammonds High School Swaffham & Methwold
High School.
Sgt Webb commented, "The feedback from the pupils was excellent, the
pupils showed great maturity, should they need these skills in the
future to deal with injuries I am sure they will approach them and treat
them in a calm manner".
The sessions are designed to develop confidence and self-esteem from
within the pupils, as well as broadening their knowledge with many life
skills, it also showed that despite the array of medical equipment on
display First aid can be a simple act, which requires nothing more than
a calm confident approach.
Cpl Smith commented, "The pupils had many questions to ask us, the
willingness to learn and take onboard what can sometimes be a daunting
subject was very impressive".
First Response would like to thank the schools in making them very
welcome, especially the Skill Force Team, Bertie & Hugh. Should you
require any further information on Marham First Response and our role
within the community or 'Skill Force' please contact
