This in from Ray from Footprint Trust, in his own words. Ed
Thanks to funding from the ‘Big Lottery Awards for All’ grant, some 40 more people are now First Aiders.
The Island’s Footprint Trust applied to the Lottery for funding to train local volunteers as part of their Train2Gain initiative. The Trust used the funding to give people skills so they can carry out their tasks more effectively, by increasing their skills.
A variety of groups trained
Four training sessions have now been completed. The training was held in collaboration between The Footprint Trust and Island based First Aid Training Executive (FATE Ltd), with the intention to get more and more people trained in First Aid on the Island.
Members of the Pond Warden and Cemetery Warden schemes have attended the training along with people from Ryde Waterside Pool, IW Green Gym, the Hampton Trust, Wildlife Warriors, Natural History Society and the Walking Festival.
Equipment purchased too
The Footprint Trust obtained funding not just for basic first aid training but to purchase two life-saving Defibrillators, one of which was presented to the Waterside Pool, the other is to be carried in the Footprint Trust’s GreenMobile vehicle.
The certificates were presented on Sunday 23rd June 2013 at 2.30pm at the Waterside Pool, The Esplanade, Ryde, by Cllr Wayne Whittle, Ryde’s Mayor and Cllr Ian Ward, Chairman of the IW Council.
Speaking on behalf of the Waterside Pool, Phil Weston Programming Manager said…
“The generosity of the Footprint Trust in allowing us to have the defibrillator and training our staff is fantastic. To be able to supply this essential lifesaving equipment to the community is something that can only benefit everyone. Being able to increase our staffs skills into the bargain by including defibrillation skills to their, already highly practiced, first aid repertoire is a big bonus to us. The fact that voluntary and not for profit organisations, like the Footprint Trust and ourselves, are putting such a high priority on the health and well being of their community neighbours is really heart-warming.”
Clive Greedy, managing Director of First Aid Training Executive said;
“We are delighted to have been chosen by The Footprint Trust as their preferred training provider. All FATE Ltd trainers are qualified, experienced Paramedics and we know from personal experience how important high quality First Aid training is. The more people we can train to the highest standards, can and will help reduce the burden on ambulance services. We all know that in an emergency situation the ambulance will be there for us, but sometimes ambulances can be delayed and knowing what to do in that situation can make a huge difference.”
Speaking for the Trust Ray Harrington-Vail said,
“They need these skills as they often work in isolated places and it may take some time for the Ambulance to arrive. They need to know what to do to preserve life and prevent any condition from becoming worse. First Aiders are lifesavers, it is important that everyone learns some of the basics.”
More information about First Aid training and courses can be obtained by contacting Ray at The Footprint Trust [email protected] or Clive at First Aid Training Executive [email protected]
