First aid - Lucy's story

When 17-year-old Lucy* attended a Red Cross first aid course designed specially to help young offenders, she couldn’t have guessed what a major impact it would have on her young life.

It came after a particularly tragic and difficult year for the teenager. Her mother had died after a long illness and her stepfather had walked out, leaving her to care for two younger brothers.

Lucy attended the course because she was desperate to make something of her life and also because she was determined to keep her young family unit together. The course would provide her with a qualification that would help her to find a job and provide for her brothers.

First aid trainer Debbie Brooks, who runs regular sessions for young people with behavioural problems, remembers the young first aider was immediately enthusiastic. She said: “Lucy did very well – she was a quick learner and really took to the session, learning all the techniques and procedures.

Transformed their lives

“She even skipped her lunch break and stayed on after the session to to speak to the first aid trainer and learn more about the Red Cross. She had been really motivated by the course and wanted to get involved.

“Since then, Lucy – and one of her friends – have become trained volunteers, providing first aid at public events throughout Oxfordshire. They are really popular with the older volunteers because they represent the next generation of volunteers. And for Lucy and her young friend, the experience has transformed their lives.”

*Name changed to protect identity

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