A team of five pupils, their coaches and first aid teacher, Janet Moody, from Allen Glen High School, recently travelled to Bloemfontein to show empathy towards people in need.
The team proudly represented their school at the St John’s Ambulance National Competition. Coach, Katelyn Hamilton, explained that the team had to compete in theory tests, in a pairs event, a team event, individual event, presentation and drill. She added that the competition recreated real-life scenarios where the pupils had to “treat” people.
The plan involved a tanker, thunder, grenades, a fake pregnant woman and other scenarios. The team captain, Carilyne Hamilton had to be “killed” five minutes into the team challenge so that the team could know what to do on their own and not only rely on their captain. The Allen Glen team gained first and second place in the theory tests, first place for the pairs event, third in the team event and second, overall.
Carilyne said many people join the first aid team as it is almost like a family. Team meber, Sherelade Lubbe, said her father suffers from seizures so it’s nice to be able to help him and her mother, as she knows what to do. “Its good to have skills, which enable you to take care of your family,” said Lubbe. Kalisa Ndameng said he wants to be a chemical engineer, but in a way, it’s the same as being in the first aid team as you get to help people. Kyle Gillot said he wants to be a medical doctor.
Coach, Calvin Minnaar is a basic life-support paramedic and the team agreed that their teacher, Moody, is like a mother-figure and a very positive asset to the team.
Details: Allen Glen High School, 011 475 4971.
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