A NUMBER of young members of St John Ambulance will help to provide first aid cover at the Commonwealth Youth Games.
16 cadets, between the ages of 13 and 17, will be on duty for the duration of the games which take place from September 7 to September 13.
They will help to provide cover for all seven of the sporting events, the closing ceremony and a cultural day planned for visiting athletes.
Bill Castelow, deputy principal youth officer with St John Ambulance Isle of Man, said: "Our cadets progress though a number of first aid courses ranging from a basic induction up to a first aid at work qualification. There are then two further levels of first aid training that under 16s can undertake, with the second level (Youth First Aid), allowing them to treat casualties under supervision from a qualified adult. All the cadets on duty at the games have this qualification."
Planning for the Commonwealth Youth Games began months ago for St John Ambulance. Volunteers have been issued with new uniform and the charity has purchased new "grab bags" of first aid equipment and additional kit that is required for sports which require it to be on site due to the nature of injuries that could occur to competitors.
Voirrey Matthews, duty manager for the event for St John Ambulance, said: "The games give all members of St John Ambulance Isle of Man the opportunity to work alongside each other regardless of which role they hold.
"First aiders, advanced first aiders, patient transport attendants and emergency transport attendants will, along with the cadets, be hands on throughout the event. They will also get the opportunity to work alongside teams of medical professionals from each nation.
"As volunteers any time they are able to give up is beneficial and greatly appreciated. Some members are only able to cover a few hours whereas some have been lucky enough to be able to take time off work to cover the whole event."
For more information on St John Ambulance telephone 01624 674387 or visit www.sja.org.uk/counties/isleofman.
Picture caption: L to R - Volunteers Jackie Hales, Sam Moolman, James Castelow, acting county commissioner Martin Blackburn, and volunteers Lesley Kewley and Gerry Jones.
