STUDENTS at a county school have proven they can keep cool in an emergency after securing a place in the national final of a first aid competition.

The winning team of five 14 and 15 year-olds from Lucton School competed against 25 competitors from two other secondary schools in a regional competition at the St John Ambulance regional headquarters.

Competitors had to react to scenarios using real people who feigned anything from major bleeding to asthma attacks and unconsciousness.

Now, the students will battle it out at the national schools’ competition final at Drayton Manor theme park in June.

Colin Payne, the school’s first aid trainer, said: “We are delighted with the results and I am very proud of the team. As this is an extracurricular activity, pupils devote a lot of free time to the subject, which they do with great enthusiasm.

“They particularly love the practical element of the various first aid scenarios. Learning first aid helps with team building, confidence and communication skills. It is incredible how involved and interested they are in the subject.”

Learning life-saving skills is popular at the school with many of Lucton’s student first aiders opting for professional careers in medicine, either in the forces or civilian life.

A compulsory part of school life, all 12 to 13 year olds get basic emergency first aid training and by the time pupils are in year-10 they take part in realistic first aid scenarios and participate in the St John Ambulance first aider course.

The school also uses its own trained first aiders to provide cover at events and sports matches.

Last year, more than 10,500 young people in the West Midlands were trained by St John Ambulance in schools.

The charity has a dedicated website offering schools free or low cost resources to help increase the number of young people learning first aid.

For more information on the competition and St John Ambulance schools trainer, call 08700 10 49 50 or visit teachthedifference.org.uk