News

September 5th 2018

Cadet gains First Aid at Work qualification

Sophie Henton on annual camp

A cadet from Lincolnshire has described how she has gained a First Aid at Work qualification through the Army Cadet Force (ACF) helping her to find a part-time job.

Cadet Sergeant Sophie Henton, aged 17, volunteers with Lincolnshire ACF’s Sleaford Detachment as well as studying photography, health and social care and hospitality and catering at college.

Sophie believes that being able to speak about her experiences in the ACF and gaining the First Aid at Work qualification helped her to get her current part-time job as a cleaner. She said: “I joined cadets in 2013 and have always had an interest in First Aid so was eager to gain a certificate in this when I got the chance.

“When I joined cadets I was really quiet and not very confident in my own abilities. I had previously experienced quite a lot of bullying and was very reliant on my parents but being a cadet has allowed me to realise that I am independent and that I can do activities I put my mind to.

Sophie Henton demonstrating her First Aid skills

“At my interview for my job I was able to talk about how I have grown as a person through the ACF and draw on certificates I have gained including my First Aid at Work qualification that could be helpful if an incident was to arise.”

Speaking about using her First Aid skills in her home environment, Sophie continued: “My First Aid course allowed me to gain practical skills to deal with a range of First Aid emergencies. I learnt about communicating with the injured person, head injuries, bleeding, choking, shock and what to do if you suspect someone has a broken back for example. I also took part in Heartstart training allowing me to understand how to do CPR and what action to take if you suspect someone is having a heart attack or cardiac arrest.

“It’s great to learn skills like this that can help you in real life as emergencies can happen anytime. A while ago I was called from my bedroom at home to help my brother as he had a suspected broken wrist. I used a sling from our First Aid box to stop his arm from moving around before he saw a doctor, lower arm slings can be used when someone has injured their wrist or hand. When we got to the hospital the staff said the sling looked like it had been put on by a professional so I was really pleased I had been able to help.”

Concluding if she would encourage others to join the ACF and in particular learn First Aid skills. Sophie explained: “These are skills that will stay with me for life. Being able to perform First Aid could really make a difference and even save someone’s life so I’d definitely encourage others to find a course near them. The ACF offers lots of opportunities but First Aid is something that I can take with me in the future and use in my everyday life.”

"The ACF offers lots of opportunities but First Aid is something that I can take with me in the future and use in my everyday life.”

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