For the first time in its rich history, the National & Inter-Services First Aid Competitions were hosted at the Greater Manchester Fire & Rescue's Safety Centre, taking full advantage of its exceptional facilities to create even more realistic first aid scenarios. With an impressive lineup of participants from across the UK, this year's event showcased the remarkable skills and dedication of cadets and young adults from various services.
Triumph and Success at the National & Inter-Service First…
For the first time in its rich history, the National & Inter-Service First Aid Competition was hosted at the Greater Manchester Fire & Rescue's Safety Centre
Greater Manchester Fire & Rescue's Safety Centre
A total of 17 Army Cadet Force (ACF) and Combined Cadet Force (CCF) teams from around the country, along with two guest teams the Volunteer Police Cadet Corps and Birchwood Air Cadets and six Sea Cadet Corps units, gathered for an action-packed weekend of first aid challenges.
The National First Aid competition kicked off on Saturday, where both cadet and young adult team members were put to the test as individuals before tackling the ultimate team scenario. The judging panel consisted of a mix of external Cadet Force Adult Volunteers (CFAVs) and Service Helpers from the 206 (North West) Multi-Role Medical Regiment, ensuring a fair and rigorous evaluation of each participant's first aid skills.
As teams eagerly awaited their turn to showcase their abilities, the event featured an enlightening presentation by the Army Medical Services Engagement Team. Cadets also had the unique opportunity to meet Millie, the ordnance and explosives search dog, and gain insights into the vital role these incredible animals play in the British Army.
The National First Aid Competition reached its climax as the winners were unveiled. Durham ACF demonstrated their exceptional first aid prowess, securing the top spot in both the ACF cadet and young adults categories. Dulwich College emerged as the victors in the CCF Young Adult Team, with Dollar Academy capturing first place in the CCF Cadet Competition. The City of London Volunteer Police Cadet Corps emerged victorious in the guest team competition, and South Central Sea Cadet Corps clinched the title in the Sea Cadet Corps category.
Millie the ordnance and explosives search dog
Sunday saw the winners from Saturday's National Competitions battling it out for the coveted title of overall inter-service champions. This high-stakes day featured each team and its members facing an individual test each and an overall team test. In the end, Durham ACF continued their remarkable performance, clinching not just the Cadet Team title but also the Young Adult Team accolade.
The 2023 National Inter-Service First Aid Competition was a testament to the dedication and skill of cadets from various services units across the UK. It showcased their unwavering commitment to honing their first aid abilities and their readiness to respond to emergencies.
Congratulations to all the participating teams and they adult volunteers who undergo hours of training to ensure their teams can compete at the National Competition.
The event was not just a competition but also an opportunity for cadets to learn, network, and gain insights into the broader mission of the British Army. It was a weekend of camaraderie, dedication, and first aid excellence that will undoubtedly inspire and empower the next generation of service members and first responders.
Thank you to Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue for allowing us to use their excellent facilities at their Training and Fire Safety Centre and for Greater Manchester ACF for supplying the casualties.