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Anna, a Sergeant in TWGGS CCF, has tested her first aid skills in a traumatic real-life experience. Her confidence, maturity and courage allowed her put into practice what she has learned from a range of first aid courses in the CCF. Such quick-thinking and her calm approach have led to her receiving national recognition in the form of the prestigious CCFA National Meritorious First Aid Award.

Together with her family, Anna was returning from seeing friends in the summer when they arrived behind a motorcycle accident on a major A-road. As Anna’s mother explained, “It emerged that there had been a couple out on their motorbike. Unfortunately the rear wheel had given way and they had both been thrown off the bike and over the barrier on the side of the road.”

Drawing on her training and maintaining her composure, Anna spoke to both casualties and carried out an initial assessment. Shortly afterwards, a doctor who had been driving past arrived, and directed Anna to hold one casualty’s head still, in case of spinal injuries. Anna remained on the scene for the next two hours, while paramedics and police arrived and provided emergency first aid at the road side. She helped to move the casualty onto the stretcher, using the techniques she had learnt in CCF, and then carry the patient to the trolley for transfer to hospital by air ambulance. Anna’s presence of mind also enabled her to tell the paramedics the medical history of one of the casualties and the medication they were on, as well as what they had eaten and drunk during the day.

The comprehensive First Aid courses offered by the CCF unit at TWGGS range from a six-week basic course, to a six-week intermediate qualification. Skills learned through these two courses are built upon in an advanced ‘MASH’ (Mobile Army Surgical Hospital) weekend every two years at the school. Cadets learn a whole raft of skills, from how to triage patients, to advanced bleeding control, dealing with burns and stitching wounds. The training is practically centred and, as well as achieving success in brigade and national competitions, many TWGGS cadets have gone on to study medicine.

While Anna was rather shaken by what she saw, she is also rightly proud of having been able to make a difference. Her ability to stay focused throughout such a harrowing event was remarkable and her willingness to be such an able first-responder no doubt made a difference to the casualties involved.

As a result of her actions, Anna was nominated for her award by Major Reynolds and Captain Naismith. Both the school and the CCF unit are extremely proud of Anna.