On Tuesday 22 nd November, 8 cadets and one member of staff from 485 squadron underwent training for the new HEARTSTART First Aid programme being rolled out through the wing. The course is designed by the British Heart Foundation and teaches the valuable skills required to deliver First Aid to a casualty until professional help arrives. Fg Off Rosie Chapman from 84 Sqn was joined by a cast of ‘Annies' to deliver the training.

It was off to a swift start as there was a lot to cover in one night, starting off with dealing with an unconscious casualty. After a demonstration and explanation, the cadets were all paired up and practiced the recovery position in their pairs.
The session also covered dealing with a non-breathing casualty (CPR), suspected heart attacks, choking and severe bleeds, all explained and demonstrated with time for the cadets to practice. The cadets were also shown the techniques for dealing with these situations with a baby Annie.

Flt Lt Simon Jennings, OC 485 Sqn commented “I would firstly like to thank Fg Off Chapman for delivering the training on the night. I know that the 8 cadets chosen to undertake this training have had a fantastic night and they have all learnt a valuable new skill. The correct use of CPR can obviously be a life saver and I'm sure that the cadets will now have more confidence in this, and other first aid situations”.