On Sunday the 31st of January, Sergeant (ATC) Lynda Kinniburgh and Flying Officer Dan McGlynn RAFVR(T), both staff from 1279 (Melton Mowbray) Squadron, attended a Wing First Aid Instructor training course.
Sergeant (ATC) Kinniburgh has not long gained her first aid certificate so wanted to try to further her knowledge so that she could start to teach first aid at the squadron.
Flying Officer McGlynn is already a member of the Wing First Aid Training Team and was looking to advance his current qualifications and skills in order to become a full St John Ambulance trainer over the next year.
During the day, the students on the course initially learnt about Air Cadet First Aid policy and administration, however, then their instructional technique was quickly put to the test.
Sergeant (ATC) Kinniburgh had two challenges to teach – the recovery position section from the British Heart Foundation Heartstart course and then a section about Burns and Scalds from the Youth First Aid course.
Flying Officer McGlynn was challenged with instructing about severe bleeds and then, later in the day, about poisons.
At the end of the enjoyable but informative day, both staff members were presented with their Heartstart Instructor certificates by the Wing First Aid Officer, Squadron Leader Sarah Mayoh-Smith.
Sergeant (ATC) Kinniburgh commented, “I had a fab day and would encourage anybody to attend this course if they can. I look forward to getting the chance to teach first aid at the squadron as it’s such an important activity and one that all cadets should be getting involved in.”