Last Friday, pupils at Michael Primary School had a day with a difference, when members of the Kirk Michael Badger Sett (the youngest members of St John Ambulance), came to school in their Badger Uniform and helped to teach various elements of First Aid to all the pupils.

The day was part of a National Challenge issued to all of the Badger and Cadet Units throughout the United Kingdom where each badger Sett have been challenged to teach 25 young people how to make an emergency phone call, and each Cadet Unit have been challenged to teach 90 young people some first aid skills. 

During the day, the Key Stage 1 children (infants) were taught how to make an emergency phone call and the Key Stage 2 children (juniors) were taught how to treat somebody who was bleeding, put a bandage on, treat an unconscious breathing casualty and put them in the Recovery Position and also how to treat somebody who was choking.

Adult Youth Leaders from St John Ambulance supervised the teaching but the badgers did an extremely good job and all of the pupils had a fantastic day.

As a result, the badgers have successfully completed their challenge and at the end of the day 120 certificates were issued to all of the pupils who took part.

Kirk Michael Badgers meet in Kirk Michael School Community Room on a Monday night between 5.30pm and 6.30pm.  In September this year, the older badgers will be moving up to Cadets and a new Cadet Unit will be starting on a Tuesday night, meeting in the School Community Room between 6.00pm and 7.30pm.

Anybody interested in joining this, or any of the Island’s Badger or Cadet Units is asked to contact Rosie Hawes – Roseita.Hawes@sja.org.im.