St Andrew’s First Aid – The NEN

“I’m celebrating the hero that gave me a second chance at life”

Edinburgh man highlights importance of lifesaving skills

An Edinburgh man whose life was saved following a life-threatening emergency earlier this year, is appealing for nominations to recognise Scotland’s first aid heroes who have helped to save multiple lives across the country.

Keith Ridley, 70, who coaches at Edinburgh Athletic Club, suffered a sudden cardiac arrest in April on the outdoor field at Meadowbank Sports Centre. Thankfully, medical students and staff from Meadowbank were close by to assist and provide immediate lifesaving first aid, with their quick thinking, action and first aid knowledge ultimately keeping Keith alive.

Six months after the incident, Keith is highlighting the importance of first aid skills and training and encouraging those who know of any First Aid heroes throughout the country to come forward and nominate them for an award. Supporting the launch of St. Andrew’s First Aid’s annual Scottish First Aid Awards for 2024, Keith is keen that those who have helped in situations like his are recognised for their bravery and swift actions.

As Scotland’s only dedicated first aid charity, St Andrew’s First Aid’s annual awards ceremony recognises outstanding groups and individuals who have performed life-saving acts across Scotland or who have gone above and beyond to implement first aid skills, training, and resources into their organisation.

Nominations for the awards, which include nine categories, are now open with the charity encouraging entries ahead of the event which will take place in Glasgow on 29 March 2024.

Keith, who lives an active lifestyle and had no previous health concerns, trains regularly at the club where he was an athlete from 1969, before turning to coaching in 1998. On the evening of the incident, Keith had just completed a session of six 200m sprints and was chatting to a colleague when he suddenly collapsed.

Thankfully, a group of medical students were close by who quickly realised what had happened and came to Keith’s assistance. They were quickly followed by staff from Meadowbank, including Operations Manager, Martin Bews.

Keith, who was out for a total of 11 minutes, was given lifesaving CPR from Martin as Meadowbank staff brought their onsite defibrillator to the scene. Keith received two shocks from the defibrillator, alongside chest compressions and mouth to mouth until the ambulance arrived eight minutes later.

Recalling the incident, Keith said: “There were no warning signs at all. I was tired from my training, but this was nothing unusual, I didn’t feel any chest pains or anything out of the ordinary.

“It all happened so quickly, and I am very fortunate to have been in the right place at the right time. Having the medical students and staff from Meadowbank there to immediately step in and deliver CPR, saved my life.

“My experience has really highlighted that doing nothing isn’t an option in these situations. If they hadn’t stepped in, I would have lost my life and I am so grateful to those involved with helping me that evening.

“I think it also highlights the importance of having defibrillators available to be accessed by the public, as this was vital to the team who were saving me.”

Following his sudden cardiac arrest, Keith spent a week in hospital and had two stents and an internal defibrillator fitted.

Keith added: “Words really can’t explain how grateful I am that they were there and knew how to respond. For me, it’s really highlighted the importance of first aid training – I know that those within the sporting community are regularly trained – but it did make me think what if this had happened when I was somewhere else and wasn’t around people who knew what they were doing.

“It’s scary to think like that and further emphasises the need for training across the country.”

Martin Bews, Operations Manager for Edinburgh Leisure, was one of the first on the scene following Keith’s cardiac arrest. Having originally started his career as a lifeguard, Martin is regularly trained on emergency first aid within his role. His first response upon hearing what had happened was to jump into action to support.

When Martin arrived at the scene, he began delivering CPR for a total of nine minutes, playing a vital role in saving Keith’s life. When the paramedics arrived on the scene, they asked Martin to continue what he was doing to allow them to bring out their necessary equipment, and later commended him for his lifesaving actions.

Martin recalls the event: “It’s amazing really to think you’ve played a part in saving someone’s life. You never ever think something like this will happen to you and it really puts it into perspective just how important it is that you not only know what to do but remember to actually do it and not panic.

“At the time, I just went into help mode. It took a good few days for what had actually happened to really sink in. When we received a follow up call to let us know Keith was doing well, that’s when the relief sank in, and I felt an immense feeling of pride that I had been able to play a part in saving someone’s life.

“I used to work in the same building as Keith’s son, so for me there was a personal connection too, which made the stark reality of how it could have ended even more hard-hitting. I’m just so glad that I, and the rest of the team involved, were able to step in immediately and provide the first aid that was needed to keep Keith alive.”

Since the incident, Keith has been focusing on his physical recovery, which has involved taking part in a designated rehabilitation programme. Fit for Health, through the NHS and Edinburgh Leisure weekly, giving him structure and guidance in getting more fit.

Martin and the rest of the team at Meadowbank are being nominated for a St Andrew’s First Aid award this year, to commend their quick thinking actions and applaud their efforts in saving Keith’s life.

With stories such as Keith’s an important reminder of how pivotal first aid training can be, St. Andrew’s First Aid is encouraging the general public, organisations and businesses to nominate any outstanding individuals and groups who have shown first aid excellence, for its 2024 awards.

Stuart Callison, Chief Executive of St. Andrew’s First Aid, said: “Each year we are overwhelmed with the number of courageous people across Scotland, who have stepped up and stepped in during emergency situations like Keith’s.

“We know all too well that had Keith not been in the presence of a team of first aid trained individuals, the outcome of his story could have been drastically different.

“We want to encourage those who have saved a life or know of someone who has displayed first aid excellence, to come forward and nominate for this year’s awards, to ensure these heroes get the true recognition they deserve.”

To nominate an individual, or organisation for an award, please visit:

https://www.firstaid.org.uk/get-involved/fundraising/events/scottish-first-aid-awards/

The nine categories for the 2024 Scottish First Aid Awards are:

St Andrew’s First Aid Corps Company of the Year
The Douglas Bremner First Aid Volunteer
The Amy Allan Young First Aid Volunteer
Community First Aid Champion
Emergency Services Hero
First Aid Hero
First Class
Employer of the Year Award for First Aid Excellence
Young First Aid Hero

Applications for nominations close on 15^th December 2023.

Record year for nominations as charity prepares to recognise first aid heroes across Scotland

St Andrew’s First Aid celebrates its 10^th year of the Scottish First Aid Awards

Scotland’s only dedicated first aid charity, St Andrew’s First Aid, has received a record number of nominations this year ahead of hosting its 10^th annual Scottish First Aid Awards.

The ceremony, which has grown year on year over the last decade and is now a highly anticipated event in the Scottish calendar, has had more than 65 nominations across the nine categories, which recognise individuals and groups who have demonstrated first aid excellence or helped save a life using first aid.

Lifesavers spanning from Stirling to The Shetland Isles have been submitted for consideration at this year’s event, which will take place at Glasgow’s Radisson Blu on 31^st March.

With first aid heroes as young as six honoured in last year’s awards, the evening celebrates both the incredible nominees and winners, sharing their stories to help inspire Scotland to become a nation of lifesavers.

Brothers Callum and Fraser McAteer, aged just nine and seven, were amongst the winners at the 2022 awards.

Having saved their younger sister Erica (aged two) from choking on a 10p coin, by using back slaps to dislodge the item, the boys were commended for their quick thinking and intervention.

First responders who have saved lives using both physical and mental health first aid will also be recognised. Mental health issues rose sharply during the pandemic, with St Andrew’s First Aid rolling out its mental health first aid training as part of an initiative to help people spot the sings of mental ill health in others and equipping them with the skills and knowledge to step in, in a mental health emergency.

In 2019, Glasgow City Council worker George Duff was awarded for saving the life of a man who was standing at the top of a suspension bridge. George used his mental health first aid training to talk with him for 25 minutes, before persuading him to move to safety.

With nine award categories including Community First Aid Champion, Emergency Services First Aid Hero and Young First Aid Hero, lifesavers across Scotland will be celebrated at the event, attended by more than 400 guests.

Stuart Callison, chief executive of St Andrew’s First Aid, said: “Each time we host the Scottish First Aid Awards, we are recognising the exceptional bravery and selflessness of individuals from around the country.

“It’s fitting that our 10th year has resulted in a record number of nominations. Throughout the last decade, our nominees and winners have demonstrated how pivotal quick reactions can be in emergency situations and shone a light on the importance of first aid knowledge and skills.

“We look forward to delivering another outstanding event in celebration of those people who choose to put others first, and in doing so, save a life.”

Still Game star, Sanjeev Kohli, will host the ceremony. With live music and entertainment, auctions and more lined up, the event is set to be another huge success.

Tickets are available to purchase through the St Andrew’s First Aid website now: www.firstaid.org.uk/get-involved/fundraising/events/scottish-first-aid-awards/

Cardiac arrest survivor shares his story at Holyrood reception for St Andrew’s First Aid

Last week, cardiac arrest survivor John McCann, 62, whose life was saved by a first aid trained First Bus driver, shared his experiences with party leaders, ministers and MSPs at a parliamentary reception on behalf of St Andrew’s First Aid, Scotland’s only dedicated first aid charity.

John, who lives in the West End of Glasgow, spoke of the great importance of first aid and emphasised the vital need to ensure more people are equipped with the knowledge and confidence to intervene in any emergency. He underlined how his life – and ability to tell his story at the event – was entirely down to the actions of one man.

The reception was attended by Scottish Labour Leader Anas Sarwar, Minister for Public Health, Woman’s Health and Sport, Maree Todd and Collette Stevenson as sponsoring MSP, amongst others.

The event was held to mark the 140^th anniversary of the charity and provided an opportunity for political and wider stakeholders to find out more about St Andrew’s First Aid’s mission to transform Scotland into a nation of live savers by providing vital first aid training to everyone.

The reception also included a speech from Molly Jansen, 17, a St Andrew’s First Aid volunteer. Molly spoke about the valuable experiences of being a volunteer and the importance of St. Andrew’s First Aid’s school projects such as the Ready for Life programme which teaches a certificated emergency and mental health first aid course to secondary school pupils.

Stuart Callison, Chief executive at St Andrew’s First Aid said: “We’re delighted that the vital work being completed at St. Andrew’s First Aid is being recognised and celebrated.

“We are very grateful to everyone who attended our event and helped us to celebrate these 140 years of providing essential first aid training and support to Scotland.

“As Scotland’s only dedicated first aid charity, we have a responsibility to train as many people in lifesaving skills and raise awareness of the important campaigns and initiatives we have in place to achieve this.”

Anyone interested in finding out more about the campaign, or first aid training should get in touch by emailing community@standrewsfirstaid.org.uk

Pure Cremation helps save lives with £1,500 donation to St Andew’s First Aid

The UK’s leading provider of direct cremation has donated £1,500 to St Andrew’s First Aid, Scotland’s only dedicated first aid charity, to help them achieve its ambition of creating a nation of lifesavers.

Pure Cremation presented the donation to the charity, whose work and fundraising efforts have suffered over the past two years due to the impact of the pandemic.

St Andrew’s First Aid aims to deliver training to some 13,000 people every year.

Since the start of Covid19 the charity’s community fundraising events – which are its main source of income – have had to be cancelled, with funds drying up as a result.

The charity was also forced to cancel its community training scheme.

Instead, most of St Andrew’s First Aid’s volunteers lent their time and skills elsewhere in their respective communities, such as delivering medicines and supplies to vulnerable residents and helping out at NHS vaccination hubs.

Ian Kirk is the Regional Manager for Pure Cremation Scotland and Northern Ireland and a volunteer with St Andrew’s First Aid.

Ian joined the charity at the age of nine and worked his way up over many years to become a fully-fledged first aid trainer. He is still a volunteer today, juggling his charitable activities with his career and family life.

Ian said: “St Andrew’s First Aid is a fantastic cause which over many years has equipped generations of families across Scotland with invaluable skills which in turn will have helped saved countless lives.

“Like other charities, its income has been severely impacted by the pandemic, as has its community activities.

“At a time when donations to charity are reducing but costs still need to be met, we are pleased to award this sum to help St Andrew’s First Aid continue in its vital work.”

Stuart Callison, Chief Executive of the charity, said the donation from Pure Cremation came as a welcome surprise at a time when much of the funding during the pandemic was allocated to Covid-related causes such as NHS charities, or essential supplies for those most in need.

It also came at a time when St Andrew’s First Aid was looking to resurrect its community training activities.

He added that although St Andrew’s First Aid had been unable to continue its work in schools and other community groups over the past two years, it had devised a vital emergency first aid and mental health training programme for secondary school pupils called Ready for Life.

Over the coming months, the programme will see almost 1,000 pupils learning vital, life-saving first aid skills and being able to spot signs of mental ill health in friends and family and provide the necessary support.

Mr Callison said: “We are extremely grateful to Pure Cremation for the donation which will assist our programme of community based first aid training.

“St Andrew’s First Aid, like many other charities, has been hit hard by the impact and restrictions brought about by the pandemic.

“Our volunteers have found many other ways to continue supporting their communities and making a difference to those around them. Donations and support from businesses, organisations and individuals are more important than ever to us as we seek to continue our efforts to establish Scotland as a nation of lifesavers.”

Established in 2015 Pure Cremation was the first company to provide a dedicated service in direct cremation – an alternative to the traditional funeral where there is no church, no service, no officiant, mourners, cars or flowers.

The donation to St Andrew’s First Aid is one of six being made to charities across the UK, totalling £13,000.

Nominate your First Aid hero

Scotland’s leading First Aid Charity, St Andrew’s First Aid, is calling for nominations for the Scottish First Aid Awards 2013. The charity is appealing for people to recognise their First Aid Hero and come forward with their real-life stories of how a First Aider has helped them and/or how it has made a difference to their lives.

The Scottish First Aid Awards have been created to champion First Aid in Scotland and recognise those individuals and businesses that are leading the way in its provision. The charity is encouraging entries from as many people as possible and the awards are open to all, regardless of whether or not training has been provided with St Andrew’s First Aid or another provider. Nominations are welcomed from individuals, businesses, public sector organisations, shops, schools and many more. Entry to any of the award categories is free and nominations will remain open until Friday 30 August 2013.

Commenting on the Scottish First Aid Awards, previous winner Emma Nicholson who won Youth First Aider of the Year 2012 (pictured below) said: “The awards are an incredibly important event in St Andrew’s First Aid’s calendar and part of Scottish First Aid Week. They are a fantastic way to reward people for delivering excellent First Aid and also provide encouragement to all First Aiders. I can’t stress enough the difference that First Aid delivered with confidence can make in an emergency and believe that by highlighting examples of this we can stress the importance of learning vital First Aid skills.”

St Andrew’s First Aid, which teaches life-saving techniques to over 20,000 people each year and aids the public at thousands of events across the country, wants to hear how First Aid can save lives and make the difference in an emergency situation. This is the opportunity to nominate a Scottish First Aid Hero; anyone who, in your opinion, has delivered excellent First Aid in Scotland.

Duke joins volunteers to open new St Andrew’s First Aid offices

St Andrew’s First Aid Chairman of the Board of Trustees Rudy Crawford, CEO Stuart Callison, The Duke of Buccleuch Queensberry and Chairmen of the Edinburgh Lothian and Borders Executive Committee Jo Berry.

Volunteers were at the heart of a reception hosted by The Duke of Buccleuch and Queensberry, President of St Andrew’s First Aid, to celebrate the opening of their new premises in Leith’s Dock Place during Volunteers’ Week 2013.

Volunteers’ Week is an annual event which takes place from 1 to 7 June each year and helps celebrate the fantastic contribution that millions of volunteers make across the UK. Volunteers’ Week plays a huge part in raising the profile of volunteering in the UK. At the reception which took place on last night (Thursday 6 June), The Duke of Buccleuch and Queensberry officially recognised some of St Andrew’s First Aid’s most valued volunteers at an awards ceremony.

Jonathon Hughes (pictured above) and Clare Tervit (below) and Julie McLaren all received awards for their First Aid endeavours. Jonathon and Claire each received an award for Outstanding First Aid Contribution after Jonathon performed CPR on a casualty at the scene of a bike accident and Claire assisted with a fatal collapse earlier this year.

Julie (pictured below) received the award for Best Supporter of a Corps Company as she has been instrumental in the establishment of a Cadet section at the West Calder branch of St Andrew’s First Aid.

The Duke of Buccleuch and Queensberry met volunteers, staff and trustees before viewing a First Aid causality simulation demonstration preformed by the St Andrew’s First Aid Cadets. After the awards presentation and a short talk on the value of volunteering, the Duke officially opened Dock Place, by unveiling a plaque to mark the special occasion.

He said: “I was delighted to have been asked to officially open Dock Place and give some well deserved recognition to some of our most valued volunteers. It was a great pleasure to be able to present awards to the outstanding individuals who, through their skills, enthusiasm and commitment, are a credit to the St Andrew’s First Aid.”

Stuart Callison, Chief Executive, of St Andrew’s First Aid commented: “We have ambitious plans to raise public awareness of the importance of a good knowledge of First Aid, and to recruit new members to our team of volunteer First Aiders, who are a familiar sight at events all across Scotland. Dock Place is a more modern setting for our commercial and volunteering activities, which we have tailored to suit our exact requirements. We are honoured that our President was able to officially open our new premises, which we hope will go a long way to funding our charity work whilst providing room for future growth.”

The search is on for Scotland’s First Aid champions

Do you know an inspiring First Aid champion who deserves the recognition of a Scottish First Aid Award? They could be a First Aid volunteer, a child, or an adult who has displayed remarkable courage. Or perhaps you know a quick thinking neighbour or colleague who has saved someone’s life with their First Aid skills? We want to hear about them!

St Andrew’s First Aid is calling for nominations for the inaugural Scottish First Aid Awards. Nominations are open until Friday 28 September 2012 and a panel of judges will announce the shortlist in October 2012. Successful entries will be invited to a prestigious black tie awards event to be held on Thursday 29 November 2012, at the City Chambers, Glasgow.

“The Scottish First Aid Awards have been created to champion First Aid in Scotland and recognise those individuals and businesses that are leading the way in its provision,” said Stuart Callison, CEO at St Andrew’s First Aid. “We would like to encourage everyone to get involved. The awards are open to all, regardless of whether you have received First Aid training with St Andrew’s First Aid or another provider and we are welcoming nominations from individuals, businesses, public sector organisations, shops, schools and many more.”

Entry to any of the awards categories is free and nominations can be made online at www.firstaid.org.uk/awards.

CATEGORY 1: The Workplace First Aid Award Do you know someone in your workplace that deserves recognition for their First Aid Skills? This category has been created to recognise such individuals or organisations that are championing First Aid training to their staff, the public and their customers.

Public/Not for Profit Sector Award
Private Sector Award

CATEGORY 2: First Aid Volunteer Awards Volunteers are the lifeblood of a non-profit organisation. The Volunteer Awards category has been created to celebrate courageous volunteers who have demonstrated an excellent use of their First Aid skills in Scotland.

Young First Aid Volunteer of the Year (up to 15 years of age)
Youth First Aid Volunteer of the Year (16-24 years)
First Aid Volunteer of the Year (25 years and over)

CATEGORY 3: The Herald Community First Aid Award This category has been created to recognise courageous individuals, valiant First Aid advocates and those who have excelled in using their First Aid skills in the Community. We are seeking nominations from anyone, anywhere in recognition of a particularly inspirational First Aid achievement.

Young First Aid Champion (up to and including 15 years of age)
Community First Aid Champion (16 years and over)

For further information please contact Helen Forrest or Stephanie Stewart on 0141 332 4031

Helen.forrest@firstaid.org.uk or Stephanie.stewart@firstaid.org.uk

St Andrew’s First Aid

The search is on for Scotland's First Aid champions

Entry to any of the awards categories is free and nominations can be made online at www.firstaid.org.uk/awards.

Public/Not for Profit Sector Award
Private Sector Award

Young First Aid Volunteer of the Year (up to 15 years of age)
Youth First Aid Volunteer of the Year (16-24 years)
First Aid Volunteer of the Year (25 years and over)

Young First Aid Champion (up to and including 15 years of age)
Community First Aid Champion (16 years and over)

For further information please contact Helen Forrest or Stephanie Stewart on 0141 332 4031

Helen.forrest@firstaid.org.uk or Stephanie.stewart@firstaid.org.uk

St Andrew’s First Aid