STUDENTS from Lucton School took second place at the senior final of the 2014 St John Ambulance National Schools’ first aid competition.

The contest, held at Drayton Manor Park in Tamworth, Staffordshire, tested the first aid skills of 18 teams of students by giving them realistic emergency scenarios to work through.

The team from Lucton had won a regional heat competing against others from the West Midlands to get through to the final.

They were assessed on their first aid knowledge – including how to deal with bleeds, burns and an unconscious casualty – and their initiative, communication, teamwork, and confidence.

Student Georgia Rowney also took the best reserve prize for her solo performance, with Henry McNab and Anna Paterson scooping the best pair award for their outstanding teamwork.

‘First aid should be as important a part of growing up as learning the alphabet, yet seven out of ten pupils say they wouldn’t know what to do if someone they knew was hurt," said Wendy Human, director of charitable initiatives and training at St John's Ambulance.

"This competition and our schools' resource is a great way for us to empower young people with life saving skills as well as improve self esteem, and enhance other life skills."