A large group of teenagers and adults gathered at the Cadet Training Centre, Magilligan which is the home of the 1st (NI) Battalion, Army Cadet Force, to take part in a 2 day course learning the essential life skill of First Aid.

During the weekend three different courses were planned covering different levels of First Aid, including a Youth First Aid Course for the younger cadets and a First Aid at Work Course for the older cadets and the Adult Instructors.

First Aid Trainer Sergeant Major Mark Stewart who was teaching on the First Aid at Work (FAW) course said "after successfully completing the FAW course these adults and cadets will go on to teach their cadets First Aid skills as well being able to treat a casualty when the circumstances call for it."

Among the adult staff attending the course was Padre (Rev) Kenneth Crowe from Stranocum, Minister at Bushvale Presbyterian Church. He is pictured here practising his new skills.

First Aid in the Army Cadet Force is taught through a syllabus, from the very junior cadet being taught how to call for help, right up to how to deal with a multiple casualty scenario and treat the casualty for many different ailments and wounds - even getting the chance to take part in Regional and National First Aid competitions.

Involving the more senior cadets in a FAW course means that when they reach the age of 18 years old they can leave the Army Cadets with a recognised First Aid qualification along with their BTEC in either Music or Public Services and a Duke of Edinburgh Silver or Gold Award - all on top of the qualifications they have gained from their school.

Top Photo:
Ballymoney Cadet Sgt Chloe McCartney and Cadet Sgt Lewis Orr learn how to put a casualty in to the recovery position