Pat, first aider

First aiders in action in Avon

Pat, who has been a first aider in St John Ambulance for eight years, said: 'I enjoy being a first aider as you just never know what you are going to find, even at small events.'

On duty

'Recently, I was on duty at a race.  One participant was dehydrated and we had to try and get her to drink some water or reyhdration drinks, which she didn't want to do. 

It is surprising how the knowledge you gain over weeks of going to St John meetings come back to you.

Pat
First aider, Wantage

'We eventually had to get a paramedic out to the event to help.  We realised that the patient had not drunk enough on the previous day to prepare herself for racing – and as the day was hot, she faced difficulties very quickly.

'It is surprising how the knowledge you gain over weeks of going to St John meetings comes back to you. We don't always realise how helpful our learning can be.'