Home-schoolers get down to life saving training

(CNS): A group of home schooled students were learning about first aid and emergencies when they attended a training course at the Cayman Islands Red Cross (CIRC) last month. First Aid Training Manager, Peter Hughes explained that despite being aged between 11-15 years old no one is too young to learn the basics. Throughout the world parents, teachers and community group leaders introduce children as young as 10 to these courses, though there is usually no need for the course to be certified by a training provider.

“It is never too early to start first aid training and these young people have surely shown an aptitude for it,” he said. “They’ve all passed the course with flying colours….When we are teaching youth this young it is usually more about raising awareness and laying the foundation for further training down the line,”

Certified courses become a necessity for young people once they are ready to leave high school to enter college or the workplace. However, this group of students took the full First Aid and CPR course and, having passed the examination required of all persons who take this course, received a full 2 year certification.

The Red Cross sets no lower age limit for attendance. However, to receive certification the student must participate in all class activities, demonstrate competency in all the required skills and successfully complete an end-of-course scenario.

For more information about training opportunities with the Red Cross, contact 949 6785 ext. 30 or email firstaid@redcross.org.ky.