Parksville cadets put their first aid and leadership skills to the test in a recent Vancouver Island zone competition.
The local cadets were among more than 40 from across Vancouver Island who competed in a first aid competition hosted by 2483 Royal Canadian Army Cadet Corps (RCACC) on March 5 at Work Point Barracks in Esquimalt.
Cadets competed in teams of four, completing a written examination and a practical test.
For the practical test, realistic injuries were created on live casualties in a simulated scenario.
Each team responded with measured skill and speed, while keeping regard for the nature of the injuries and any apparent hazards to the team.
Points were awarded for executing emergency procedures and protocols. Points are deducted for neglect or aggravation of injuries, delay and unnecessary treatment or activity.
The competitors were only allowed to ask the examiners about the causalities’ vital signs, which cannot be simulated.
St. John’s Ambulance First Aid Training is an integral part of cadet training and a prerequisite for some advanced training.
The Parksville team, 893 RCACS, took first place in the junior category and Cadet Flight Corporal Matthew Muelleder earned honours as the top team captain.
The team included cadets Jackson Langley, Nathaniel Niebergall and Cpl. McKenna Slater.
The team was followed by Comox in second, with two West Shore teams tying for third.
A Comox team also took first in the senior category.
Visit www.cadets.ca or http://893aircadets.weebly.com for more information.
— NEWS Staff/Canadian Armed Forces