©InfoAt just 17 years old, Fergus Carter-Brazier is already a veteran Red Cross volunteer – and now he has single-handedly launched a first aid project for young mums and dads.
Fergus, who hopes one day to become a paramedic, has been a first aid and peer education volunteer since he was 13 years old. Over the past few years, he has kept permanently busy training at first aid courses, helping young refugees and teaching young people about the dangers of HIV.
But his biggest challenge came when he decided to set up a first aid group specifically aimed at helping young parents in Portsmouth. It took a lot of hard work, but now the group is up and running.
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Fergus told The Portsmouth News: “The whole idea was to train young parents – both mums and dads – in first aid, while also covering common child illnesses such as meningitis and chicken pox.
“We’re still in the early stages, but ultimately aim to provide a minibus to pick up the participants, a crèche and free infant first aid manuals so parents can revise their skills after the course.”
He added: “It’s so important for parents to know first aid, especially young parents, because there are so many things that could go wrong with young babies and children.”
Award-winning project
Fergus’ hard work was recently recognised at the British Red Cross’ Humanitarian Citizen Awards, where his first aid for young parents project won the community action category.
And why does he do it? He said: “I just enjoy helping people. Everyone can watch the news, but there’s got to be someone who steps in to do their bit.”
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