Shortage of first aiders

A plea has been made for more people in the Welshpool area to become trained in first aid and provide vital emergency medical treatment.

St John Cymru Wales Llanfyllin Division has moved to a new home in Welshpool and has appealed for new members to step forward and save lives.

“As a member of St John Cymru Wales you will be part of a team supplying first aid in your local community,” said Andrew Smith, Divisional Officer In Charge.

“As well as local events there will also be the opportunity to attend county events like the Wales Rally GB, Royal Welsh Show and other bigger events like international rugby at the Millennium Stadium as well as football and concerts in Cardiff and so on.”

Mr Smith said there are plans to set up a youth section, starting with cadets, before the end of this year, but prior to that more adults are required to join up.

“You can learn as little, or as much as you feel you can handle,” he added. “For people that come along and become members of St John and attend the weekly training session it’s all free.

“As for the community based courses it depends on the course they want. Things like AED awareness we can do for free to help people to not be afraid of using the community defibrillators out there, but other courses may have a small charge.”

Mr Smith added that the Division would be happy to visit small groups for a talk about what they do and how to get involved. They meet on Wednesday nights at 7pm.

For more information, contact andrew.smith@llanfyllin.sjaw.org.uk.