A Cambridgeshire Army Cadet put first aid skills he had learned at his detachment in Melbourn to work when he found a casualty lying injured at the roadside last month.
After happening upon the older man, who had suffered a significant head injury and fallen to the ground, Cdt Sgt Pope drew on his training to assess the situation and took charge as no one else was doing so.
Cdt Sgt Pope recalled: “I began communicating with the casualty, reassuring him, and I instructed him to apply pressure to the head injury.”
When a passer-by stopped to help, he asked her to call 999 and, on learning that an ambulance would take an hour to arrive, he ran more than 200 yards to a nearby pet shop to ask for their first aid kit.
After treating a three-inch head wound and a laceration to the man’s nose, Cdt Sgt Pope became concerned about the cold weather and the busy road location. He arranged for the casualty to be moved to a local garden centre, where he continued providing care and reassurance until paramedics arrived.
“It was daunting and stressful, particularly as I had older people looking at me to make decisions, but I was pleased to have done something of value,” Cdt Sgt Pope said. “As well as teaching me first aid skills, the Army Cadet Force has taught me how to take initiative and be confident in front of others.”
The 15 year old joined the ACF three years ago and quickly rose to become Melbourn Detachment’s most senior cadet. As well as his “first aid at work” course taken earlier this year, Cdt Sgt Pope took part in Exercise Cambrian Patrol, a demanding British Army training exercise.
His Detachment Commander, SSI Lamonte, said: “It’s always inspiring to see our cadets put their training into action. Sgt Pope showed real confidence and professionalism, using his first aid skills to care for a patient, take control of the scene and offer clear advice.
“Well done, Sgt Pope! We’re proud to see you lead by example and hope you continue to build on this success in the future.”
