Sports leaders gain valuable first aid qualifications
STUDENT sports leaders are gaining valuable first aid skills and nationally recognised qualifications as part of an exciting new training opportunity at Ripon Grammar School.
Twelve sixth form sports and team captains have completed a specialist two-day course, equipping them with practical skills to help support sporting activities and events across the school.
Delivered by specialist trainer Myles Strudwick, the course covers regulated qualifications in both emergency first aid at work and emergency paediatric first aid.
An important addition to the school’s Sports Leaders Programme, it offers students the chance to gain valuable skills and experience alongside recognised qualifications they can take forward into further education, employment and beyond.
The highly-regarded certification will also contribute UCAS points towards future university applications.
The thorough training, subsidised by Leisure training and Consultancy North East, ensures students have a complete range of knowledge, equipping them to deal with a wide variety of potential illnesses, injuries and situations.
They develop practical skills in everything from cardiopulmonary resuscitation to bandaging, gaining the confidence to respond appropriately to a range of first aid situations.
Once qualified, they can assist with activities that would otherwise require a first aid-qualified member of staff to be present, such as lunchtime sports clubs and away fixtures.
Sixth former Beth Takieddine, who has established herself as one of the region’s top sprinters, praised the course as a valuable opportunity to develop a new skill set.
The 16-year-old, from Sharow, who also plays hockey and football at school, added: “The training has significantly increased my confidence, and I'm pleased to now be able to support activities such as lunchtime sports clubs and away fixtures.”
National fell running champ Angus Millar, who is also involved in rugby, swimming, cross country, athletics and basketball at school, was keen to pick up new skills.
The 16-year-old boarding students, who aims to train as a lifeguard too, said: “I have learnt how to perform CPR and how to put people into the recovery position or help them if they are choking, and lots of other skills that could save a life.
“I really enjoyed the course, and maybe one day I will use the skills.”
RGS director of sport Adam Milner thanked Mr Strudwick, who has delivered courses at RGS over the past five years, including PE staff training.
“We are very grateful to Mr Strudwick and LTC North East for providing the training and supporting the development of our young sports leaders, increasing the opportunities for students to take on responsibility and support sporting activities within school,” he said.
In addition to the 12 sports leader students, Mr Strudwick has trained 49 RGS students in lifeguarding and first aid at work and 12 staff in national rescue for swimming coaches.
Ripon Grammar School, 16 Clotherholme Road, Ripon, North Yorkshire, HG4 2DG
Tel: 01765 602 647
E: admin@ripongrammar.com
