First aid volunteers from across Gwent will come together this weekend (27, 28, 29 July) to demonstrate simple skills people can use to help someone in a potentially life threatening situation.
Demonstrations will take place throughout this year’s Caerphilly Big Cheese by fully trained volunteers from Wales’ leading first aid charity, St John Cymru. The group will demonstrate potentially lifesaving skills such as; how to help someone who is choking, how to correctly put a casualty into the recovery position and how to correctly administer cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).
Better yet, the group will be holding free blood glucose and blood pressure checks and providing people with more information about local services which can help ensure they stay healthy.
But that’s not all, Badgers mascot for St John Cymru, Bertie, who is sure to provide a great photo opportunity, will also be in attendance to showcase the ways children from the age of five can get involved at St John Cymru, including how they can have fun as Badger while improving their own learning.
“We’re really looking forward to once again being a part of the iconic Big Cheese festival.
“We’re hoping our presence at the event, coupled with offering people the opportunity to learn first aid in an informal setting, will help empower and encourage people to use first aid to help people in a potentially life threatening situation.
“We’d encourage anyone who would like to learn more about how our volunteers are there for people in their local community and how they can get involved to pop along and have a chat.”
Daniel Lyons, St John Cymru Commissioner for Gwent
For over two decades St John Cymru has provided first aid cover at the event.
This year they are reminding people to take extra care in the sun. Simple steps people can take to reduce their risk of heat exhaustion and sunburn include;
- Using a sunscreen with a minimum SPF 15 and at least four-star UVA protection
- Wear a hat which shades
- Keep hydrated by drinking plenty of water
- Staying out of direct sun exposure when the sun is at its strongest (between 11am-3pm)
Anyone who needs medical attention during their time at the Big Cheese is encouraged to seek support from the team at one of the first aid tents situated across the site.
For more first aid advice, information about first aid training, fundraising for St John Cymru or how you can volunteer in Gwent, visit: www.stjohn.wales
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