Cambridgeshire Cadet's first aid training helps save her father’s life
A Cadet Corporal from Walton Detachment has been praised for her courage and composure after using skills learned through the Army Cadet Force to help save her father’s life.
Cadet Corporal Hannah Williams, who joined Walton Detachment, No.1 Company, Cambridgeshire Army Cadet Force, in October 2024, was at home when her father suffered a serious and prolonged epileptic seizure.
Hannah heard a loud bang from elsewhere in the house before her 11-year-old sister shouted that their father was having a seizure.
She immediately ran to help and found him face down on the floor, convulsing and bleeding from an injury to his head caused by the fall.
Hannah said: “At first, I screamed for Mum and burst into tears. Then I regained my composure and realised that I knew exactly how to deal with it. The piority was to turn him over and make sure his airway was clear.”
The seizure lasted for approximately seven minutes. Once it had ended, Hannah helped to place her father into the recovery position, supported his injured head, tended to a head injury – which fortunately turned out to be minor, and continued to monitor his breathing while the family waited for the ambulance.
(Above) Cdt Cpl Williams demonstrates the recovery position at her Detachment.
Hannah had completed first aid training through the Army Cadet Force just three months before the incident.
She said: “I would not have been able to maintain my composure and treat my father in the way I did without the skills the Army Cadet Force has provided me with. Nothing can prepare you for watching someone have a seizure for the first time, especially when it is someone you love. But you can be prepared with the knowledge of how to deal with it, and I got that from Army Cadets.”
When the ambulance crew arrived, Hannah was able to calmly answer questions about her father’s epilepsy, medication, previous seizures and medical history, allowing paramedics to concentrate on his immediate treatment.
Her father was initially unconscious and disorientated following the seizure, but later regained consciousness and was taken to hospital. He has since continued his recovery and has not experienced another seizure.
(Above) Walton Detachment, with Hannah Williams bottom left.
Hannah’s mother, Alison Williams, said she was incredibly proud of the way her daughter responded.
She said: “Hannah’s ability to act under pressure was incredible. These are violent seizures and it was also very difficult watching him afterwards when he did not know who he was, where he was or what was happening.
“Hannah remained calm and direct. She was very clear with him about what he needed to do, while also being compassionate. She found exactly the right balance.”
Hannah believes the leadership skills she has developed through cadets were as important as her first aid knowledge.
She said: “Cadets has taught me leadership and that you do not dance around the point. You deliver information clearly, directly and calmly. That was incredibly beneficial when reassuring my father and speaking to the ambulance service.”
(Above) Hannah Williams on parade.
Reflecting on her actions, Hannah said: “I always thought that if Dad had a seizure, I might be too upset or frightened to help. I am incredibly proud that I was able to regain my composure and help him when he needed me.”
The experience has strengthened Hannah’s interest in helping other cadets develop their first aid skills.
“It is one thing to complete the training, but having experienced something like this means I can better understand and support cadets who may face similar situations.
“I hope my experience shows that first aid training really matters. You never know when you might need to use it.”
Hannah’s actions demonstrate the practical difference that Army Cadet training can make, providing young people with the knowledge, confidence, resilience and leadership skills to respond effectively during a real emergency.
Text by PI Louis Donald. Interviews and photographs by 2Lt Doug Stuart.