For these youngsters are seasoned Red Cross trainees who have spent the year preparing for Ireland’s First Aid competitions for u16s.They will also be joined by new adult members with a taste for competitive action, as both groups compete on a team and individual basis in the Cadet and Novice Competitions. All entrants
will be keen to see their county’s colours at the top of the scoreboard when the final results are announced at the event, taking place in Heywood Community College, Abbeyleix, Co. Laois."Our young members work hard throughout the year perfecting their skills in bandaging and treating injuries. These competitions provide them with very lifelike simulated accidents and
challenges that are a real test of their skills."The competitions are also a great opportunity for them meet other young people from all across Ireland who share their interest in
lifesaving," commented Irish Red Cross Vice-Chairman, Tony Lawlor.The exact injuries and types of accidents that they face, will remain unknown to each of them as National
Vice-Chairman, Tony Lawlor explains that a key element of the test is the fact that in real life, knowing how to deal with sudden crises is key to being good at First Aid."The whole
challenge of First Aid is dealing with an unforeseen incident and this is what we present to competitors at this event," said Tony, He explained that with theatre-standard make-up and simulation
of pain or loss of consciousness by people acting the part of casualties, the challenges facing the youngsters are a very realistic presentation of all kinds of injuries.And he said that
the recent European report on First Aid knowledge across Europe, which saw Ireland with some of the lowest numbers of people trained in First Aid, highlights the need for more First Aid training.The report, published to mark World First Aid Day (12 Sept), noted that in Ireland just an estimated 5% of the population are trained in First Aid, whereas in countries such as Austria and
Germany, where First Aid training is available in schools and is a mandatory part of the driving test, an estimated 80% of the population know First Aid."Although this weekend is a bit
of fun for our younger and newer members, the message from this recent report is a serious one - showing that here in Ireland more people need to learn First Aid," commented Tony.
Note
to Editors:
Interviews with Irish Red Cross spokespersons can be arranged. Contact Aoife Mac Eoin, National Communications Officer. 087 – 998 3788
Photographs will be
supplied after the event. Contact Kevin Byrne. 087 6271313
The National Cadet & Novice First Aid Finals consist of four events – a team and individual event for Cadets and a team
and individual event for Novices (i.e. first-time competitors).
The Finals take place at the Heywood Community School, Ballinakill (5km east of Abbeyleix), Co. Laois on Saturday 24 October
2008, starting at 1pm and finishing at 5pm approximately.
[ Any views expressed in this article are those of the writer and not of Reuters. ]
