Upwey Juniors learn how to save lives

Since 2002, the opportunity to complete a Level 1 first-aid course has been available to Junior brigades as part of CFA’s Junior Volunteer Development Program. The course introduces Junior members to first-aid basics while providing them with important life skills that can be applied to a range of situations. Upwey Juniors have been involved in first-aid training since 2018, after making the decision that the Juniors program should complete first-aid training every year. “I think that first-aid training is important and if the opportunity is there to learn it they should,” Junior Coordinator Karra McLeod said. “Whether the training helps a family member or a stranger, I wanted to equip our Juniors with that knowledge.” Despite being a full day’s course held on the weekend, the Juniors have never grumbled because they have been genuinely interested in learning first-aid. Parents are often surprised that the course provides them with a qualification in CPR and first-aid, because they were not aware that young people can be qualified. “We also promote our Juniors program as being a comfortable and safe place in the area we live, and the first-aid course is another way we can do that,” explained Karra. The course has something for everyone regardless of academic ability and interests. The Juniors learn new skills and are better able to help others. For some Juniors the training has been the catalyst to a career path. “The way the course is delivered is awesome. It’s so practical and hands-on,” Junior member Alexis Rhodes said. “Not everyone is a visual learner and the first-aid course teacher knew that. It’s great to have someone there to show us how to do it and correct our technique, while making a serious subject fun.” This training has proved invaluable for some Upwey Juniors. For example, one Junior found his diabetic father unconscious on the floor and immediately knew what to do, putting him into the recovery position and following DRSABCD – something he’d learned on the first-aid course. While at school, another two Juniors noticed a student struggling to breath during PE. From their first-aid training, they determined the student was suffering an asthma attack, notified the teacher and, under teacher supervision, helped the student breathe normally again. The teacher was impressed with their level of ability and that they were first-aiders. “The first-aid course was very enjoyable and it gave us the knowledge we need to help and support people in our community and beyond,” Junior member Layla Gould said. “We are very lucky to have had this learning opportunity.” “I’m very grateful to have had the experience to be taught by the wonderful CFA first-aid crew about important lifesaving skills,” Junior member Mabel Gould said. First-aid training is available to Junior brigades through the Members Online Youth pages. There’s a guidebook for the course and an application form to book a session.

STORY KARRA MCLEOD AND JEN CLEMENT