National First Aid Competition 2025

The National First Aid Competition 2025 brought together some of the most skilled young first aiders from across the UK, as cadets and young adults competed to demonstrate their life-saving knowledge and teamwork. Held on Saturday, 1 November at the Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue’s Fire Safety Centre, the event challenged participants in immersive, realistic emergency scenarios designed to test their confidence, communication, and practical first aid skills under pressure.

Teams from the Army Cadet Force (ACF), Combined Cadet Force (CCF), Sea Cadets, Calday Grange guest team, and Young Adult cadets took part. The competition involved both team-based tests and individual assessments, where cadets were required to respond quickly and effectively to simulated casualties suffering from a variety of injuries and conditions. Not only did this test first aid knowledge, but also leadership and calm decision-making in high-stress situations.

Competition Results

The day saw outstanding displays of teamwork and capability across all groups. The results were as follows:

ACF Cadets

First place: 2nd Battalion Northern Ireland ACF

Second place: Durham ACF

Third place: Dorset ACF

CCF Cadets

First place: Dulwich School CCF

Second place: Calday Grange Grammar CCF

Third place: Bangor Grammar School CCF

Sea Cadets

First place: Southern Area SCC

Second place: Eastern Area SCC

Third place: Northern Area SCC

Guest Cadet Team

First place: Calday Grange Grammar CCF (RAF)

ACF Young Adults

First place: 1st Battalion Northern Ireland ACF

Second place: Dorset ACF

Third place: Hereford & Worcester ACF

CCF Young Adults

First place: Dulwich School CCF

Sea Cadets Young Adults

First place: North West Area SCC

Inter-Services Competition

The top two teams from each category advanced to Sunday’s Inter-Services challenge, which presented a dramatic and complex scenario involving casualties who had taken illegal substances. Teams were required to make swift assessments, treat the unconscious, and manage a hallucinating casualty, all while maintaining safety and control.

Cadet Category Winners

First place: 2nd Battalion Northern Ireland ACF

Second place: Dulwich School CCF

Third place: Durham ACF

Adult Volunteer Category Winners

First place: 1st Battalion Northern Ireland ACF

Second place: Dulwich School CCF

Third place: Dorset ACF

Lt Col Amanda Stevens (ACF), National First Aid Advisor, said:

“We had around 140 Cadets and CFAVs in attendance this year, and as you’ll see from the photos, the cadets worked exceptionally hard in showcasing their life-saving skills, including casualty care and effective communication. They rose to every challenge with enthusiasm and determination. It was clear they had a fantastic time, and we are incredibly proud of their achievements.”

Acknowledgements

A heartfelt thank you goes to all cadets, Cadet Force Adult Volunteers, and Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue for hosting this remarkable event. Appreciation is also extended to Merseyside ACF and Calday Grange CCF for providing casualty actors. Congratulations to all who took part — we look forward to another inspiring competition next year.