Young volunteers play a role as St John Ambulance provides games cover

 

Young volunteers will take an active role when St John Ambulance Isle of Man provides first aid cover at one of the biggest sporting events the Isle of Man has ever hosted.

Sixteen Cadets will be on duty for the Island’s leading life-saving charity during the Commonwealth Youth Games, from 8th to 12th September.

More than 1,000 14 to 18-year-olds from 66 nations will converge on the Island for the Games.

St John Ambulance’s young members will be at various locations over the five days of the Games, covering events ranging from the opening ceremony at The Bowl in Douglas on the evening of the 8th September through to gymnastics, athletics and swimming.

Cadets fully trained and prepared

Bill Castelow, Deputy Principal Youth Officer with St John Ambulance Isle of Man, said: ‘The Cadets on duty are aged 13 to 17. Our Cadets progress though a number of first aid courses ranging from a basic induction up to a first aid at work qualification. There are then two further levels of first aid training that under-16s can undertake, with the second level (Youth First Aid) allowing them to treat casualties under supervision from a qualified adult. All the Cadets on duty at the Games have this qualification.’

The Games will be one of the biggest commitments of 2011 for St John Ambulance, which will provide cover for seven sports taking place simultaneously at 12 venues.

The charity will also cover the closing ceremony and the cultural day planned for athletes.

Planning key to ensuring event runs smoothly

Planning began many months ago, with new, smaller ‘grab bags’ for first aid equipment purchased and their contents assembled. Some sports require additional kit to be on site due to the nature of injuries that can occur to competitors, so St John Ambulance Isle of Man will provide splints, automated external defibrillators and stretchers/spine boards etc.

Voirrey Matthews, who is duty manager for the event for St John Ambulance Isle of Man, said: ‘We will face many logistical challenges in ensuring the right member is at the right venue at the right time. There is then the challenge of ensuring that when one event finishes, our volunteers are fed, watered and transported to their next venue on time.’

Volunteers have, in some cases, tailored their commitments to their interests, Voirrey said. ‘Those who like action may choose to cover the cycling or the boxing and those who like quieter events may choose gymnastics or badminton.

‘The Games give all members of St John Ambulance Isle of Man the opportunity to work alongside each other, regardless of which role they hold. First aiders, advanced first aiders, patient transport attendants and emergency transport attendants will, along with the Cadets, be hands on throughout the event. They will also get the opportunity to work alongside teams of medical professionals from each nation.’

The charity is grateful to its hard-working volunteers for giving up their time, hard on the heels of the Manx Grand Prix, another of the year’s biggest commitments.

‘As volunteers, any time they are able to give up is beneficial and greatly appreciated,’ said Voirrey. ‘Some members are only able to cover a few hours whereas some have been lucky enough to be able to take time off work to cover the whole event.’ 

Voirrey’s own role will see her liaising with Dr Frank Vaughan, the Games’ Chief Medical Officer, for updates to timetables and locations and ensuring information is fed back to volunteers. Members encountering any issues will contact Voirrey, who will be mobile throughout the Games. She will also be on hand to transport volunteers between locations and top up any equipment that has been used, although she said: ‘Fingers crossed we won’t use any.’

The Games will also see members don, for the first time, the new uniform they will wear when out and about providing cover, which is being rolled out throughout St John Ambulance.

For further information about St John Ambulance Isle of Man’s Cadets (10 to 18) or younger Badgers (five to 10) or to find out how to sign up for first aid courses, volunteer or to support the charity’s valuable work via donations, please ring 01624 674387.