Praiseworthy Action Awards – Stepping Up When It Mattered

Highlighting meritorious action in Cadets Week

CALM UNDER PRESSURE. QUICK TO ACT. READY TO HELP.

When an emergency happens, knowing what to do can make all the difference. Across Clwyd & Gwynedd Army Cadet Force, cadets and adult volunteers have shown that their training is about far more than badges and qualifications — it’s about developing skills for life.

Several members of the Force have received prestigious Army Cadet Charitable Trust UK (ACCT UK) Praiseworthy Action Awards, recognising their courage, initiative and outstanding actions when members of the public needed help.

Ella – Calm When It Mattered

কেডেট Ella Williams, from Penmaenmawr Detachment, acted immediately when she discovered an unconscious woman with serious head injuries.

Ella called 999, carried out a primary survey and placed the casualty in the recovery position. When the woman suffered a seizure, Ella used her hoodie to protect her head and remained calm throughout, providing paramedics with a clear handover.

Fiona & Abigail – Teamwork in Action

Sergeant Fiona Dymore and Cadet Abigail Dymore were recognised after a young girl collapsed while experiencing an Addisonian crisis.

Fiona took control, summoned emergency assistance and remained with the casualty for around 45 minutes, while Abigail provided calm and practical support.

Helping After a Bus Accident

In Colwyn Bay, Cadets Aron Daly, Oliver Dowse, Abbey Davies and Eve Gardner, supported by Adult Instructor Jon Barlow, came to the aid of an elderly man who had fallen from a bus.

They called 999, provided first aid, kept him warm and dry, and stayed with him until professional help arrived.

Brogan Steps Up

Former Cadet Cpl Brogan Nuttall, from Blaenau Ffestiniog, was recognised after helping an unresponsive man who had fallen in the road.

Brogan remained at the scene for around 90 minutes, supporting the casualty until paramedics arrived.

Michaela Makes a Difference

LCpl Michaela Ward also received the award after assisting an elderly lady who had collapsed.

Drawing on her cadet training, Michaela assessed the situation, summoned help and remained with the casualty, providing reassurance and support until assistance arrived.

Mold Detachment – Acting When Seconds Counted

Two members of Mold Detachment were also recognised following their actions during a life-threatening cardiac arrest.

On an evening before a cadet training session, Sergeant Tom Parratt received a GoodSAM alert reporting a man suffering a cardiac arrest. Recognising the urgency, he immediately responded with a defibrillator.

On arrival, Sgt Parratt began CPR and deployed the AED, delivering three shocks. He continued providing vital care until, thankfully, the casualty achieved a return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) before the ambulance crew arrived. The patient was subsequently transferred to hospital.

Meanwhile, Sergeant Wright played a crucial role in managing the wider incident. He controlled members of the public, maintained a safe working area and ensured emergency crews could operate effectively.

Recognising the need for a suitable landing area for the air ambulance, Sgt Wright contacted the local school and arranged access to its playing field. He then went door-to-door asking residents to move vehicles so the entrance could remain clear.

His quick thinking and decisive action helped maintain access to the landing site and avoid unnecessary delays.

Skills That Really Matter

From Penmaenmawr to Blaenau Ffestiniog, Colwyn Bay to Mold, these stories demonstrate the real value of Army Cadet training.

Whether providing first aid, performing CPR, managing an emergency scene or simply having the confidence to step forward and help, our cadets and adult volunteers have repeatedly shown that they are ready to act when it matters most.

These awards recognise much more than individual actions. They highlight the confidence, leadership, teamwork and practical skills developed through the Army Cadet experience.