496 Balsall Common Squadron have become one of the first units within Warwickshire & Birmingham Wing to undertake the new HeartStart scheme since the rollout programme began.

On the 13 th December, the squadron was visited by Warrant Officer Hart, Wing HeartStart Training Supervisor, for the first group to undertake the first two lessons of the training programme. The group consisted of 5 cadets and 1 member of staff, Flt Lt A. Milne. During the lesson the group had both a theory and practical input in showing how to deal with both unconscious and non-breathing casualties. The group were shown the demonstration by Warrant Officer Hart and then split into pairs to demonstrate their understanding of the process using resuscitation Annie training aids.

Cdt Cpl Blakemore said “I really enjoyed the evening and have learnt more about CPR. However, I hope I will never need to use these new skills.”

The second group of 5 cadets and 1 member of staff, Sgt E Hart, took part in the scheme on the evening of the 31 st January. However, this time under the instruction of Flt Lt Milne, supervised by WO Hart as part of the Instructor assessment process to become an accredited HeartStart trainer for the Squadron. Again, the group had practical input on how to deal with both unconscious and non-breathing casualties.

Both of these groups will receive more HeartStart training to complete the programme in the coming weeks. The cadets still have practical input on how to deal with a major bleed, a choking victim and those with a suspected heart attack.

Once these 2 groups have fully completed the programme it will then be the turn of Sgt Hart to be under supervision with a new group of cadets and 496 squadron will be aiming to have every cadet and staff member trained by the end of April. All new cadets joining the Squadron will then undertake the training as part of their initial training period.

Commanding Officer Flt Lt Slade commented “I have been impressed by the concept of the scheme since it was unveiled and I am grateful to WO Hart for enabling 496 to get involved at such an early stage. I look forward to taking the course myself and I hope it will encourage the cadets here to undertake Youth First Aid qualifications to add to their new skills.”