Contact/Cyswllt:  Sian Cliff
02920 898342 / sian.cliff@wales.gov.uk

Mick Bates AM congratulates the St. John Ambulance following the presentation of their School of the Year Competition in the Senedd. Mick was delighted to attend the award and watch many young people demonstrate the first aid skills that they had learnt through the Young Lifesaver Scheme.

St. John has been campaigning to have first aid included on the National Curriculum and since 1985 has trained thousands of young people and saved a number of lives as a result. Commenting, local Lib Dem Mick Bates:

“The work of the St. John Ambulance is vital to our communities in Wales. I have deep respect and admiration for the number of people who voluntarily give up their time to keep our St. John groups in action.

“I would like to congratulate all the young people who attended the award for their hard work and commitment to learning this skill. First aid is an invaluable tool that will remain with these children and young people throughout their lives. It gives young people the knowledge and training to give vital medical treatment whenever needed and is also be an excellent benefit for any job they may have in the future.

“I am always pleased to be involved in my local St. John group in Caersws. I have enjoyed taking part in heart start training was delighted that Caersws was one of the first communities to benefit from the Neighbourhood First Responder Scheme.

“First Responders play a vital role in supporting out-of-hours care in rural areas. The trained St. John volunteers who respond to emergency calls are on the scene quickly and provide essential care to those in need. This gives people access to a direct and personal service and can make a huge difference during the critical minutes before the Ambulance arrives.

“This is another example of the superb work of the St. John Ambulance which provides excellent training to volunteers who wish to become First Responders in their local area.

“I believe St. John’s Ambulance will have an increasing role to play in the delivery of emergency care and patient transport. I look forward to continuing to work with St. John in the future as they keep working to raise the profile of first aid in the community.”


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