St John Ambulance volunteers who helped a young finalist when he lost control of his car at a grass track event are backing a call for more people to train as first aiders.
Spalding St John Ambulance volunteers Peter Houldershaw and Harry Griffen have lent their support to a campaign from the leading first aid charity to recruit new first aiders launched to coincide with Volunteers’ Week.
According to the charity, a first aider at the scene of an emergency can be the difference between a life lost and a life saved.
Peter and Harry know only too well how they can make a difference when the worst happens, as it did when a young driver in the final heats of a grass track event rolled his car on a corner.
The pair were in attendance at the event and when they got to the young driver he was suffering from neck pain.
The volunteers stabilised and maintained the patient, and called in back up from the emergency services.
They stayed with the patient until heavy cutting equipment arrived with the fire brigade and additional clinical support from the air ambulance and EMAS colleagues arrived.
Peter said: “He was 13-years-old suffering neck and back pain – so we wanted to make sure he received the medical attention he needed.
“The fire brigade cut the roof off the car – and EMAS and an air ambulance also arrived on scene.
“We found out afterwards that he made a full recovery, but at the time we were concerned that he may have suffered spinal injuries.
“The event organisers and the boy’s family were very appreciative of what we did to help the boy.
“You never know when you might need first aid. We would encourage as many people as possible to learn.
“By volunteering with St John Ambulance you too can be the difference between a life lost and a life saved.”
St John Ambulance units meet weekly in various locations across Lincolnshire including Spalding, Lincoln, Gainsborough, Sleaford, Market Rasen, Grantham, Boston, Stamford and Bourne areas.
For more information on volunteering with St John Ambulance, and to find out about open evenings which are due to be held in the area soon, visit www.sja.org.uk/volunteer-vacancies, email [email protected] or call 08700 10 49 50.
