Published: April 27, 2008
Delight as St John cadets reach national finals of first aid competition

Charlotte Aldred and Lucy Westlake of Highbridge and Burnham St John Ambulance Cadets had plenty to smile about on Saturday (April 26th) after winning the regional finals of a first aid competition.

The pair won the St John Ambulance South West Regional First Aid Competition and are now preparing to take part in the National Finals in London, representing Somerset, this summer.

Charlotte and Lucy won the county round of the competition back in March, qualifying them for a place at Saturday's regional finals in Taunton, where they competed against teams from across the South West.

Sarah Westlake, Divisional Superintendent of Highbridge and Burnham St John Ambulance Cadets, told Burnham-On-Sea.com: "Charlotte and Lucy had to complete one test as a team and another test where each person was on their own."

"For the team test, the girls had to treat a casualty with severe bleeding and a fractured leg and a second casualty with a fractured wrist who had an angina attack."

"For their individual tests, the girls had to treat fractures and burns. The girls had the highest mark in the team test section and Charlotte won the individual section. They were placed first overall, 50 points clear of second placed Devon."

Sarah added: "Everyone at Highbridge and Burnham St John Cadets is very proud of the girls. This is the first time a team from the local cadet division has reached the National Finals."

Charlotte and Lucy are now preparing to go to London in early July where they will compete against teams from across the UK.

"The girls have trained hard over many years to reach such a high standard, and especially thank Colin Rawlinson who has been their chief trainer since they first started entering competitions," said Sarah.